Trump’s Busy Start to Second Term: Mixed Public Opinion
President Donald Trump has wasted no time in his return to the White House, signing 64 executive orders in just over three weeks, a pace that far exceeds that of his predecessors. The president took to social media to boast about his accomplishments, claiming them to be "THREE GREAT WEEKS, PERHAPS THE BEST EVER."
Public Opinion Divided
However, public opinion on Trump’s performance is divided. A poll conducted for AARP shows the president’s approval rating at 48%, with 47% disapproving. This split is reflected in other surveys, with some indicating that Trump’s approval ratings are slightly underwater, while others suggest they are positive.
Contrast to First Term
Trump’s current approval rating is a marked departure from his first term, when he started out with negative ratings and remained in negative territory for the entire four years. According to veteran Republican pollster Neil Newhouse, Trump’s approval rating is now higher than at any point during his first term.
Partisan Divide
The surveys reveal a stark partisan divide over Trump, with Republicans overwhelmingly approving of his performance (net approval of 83 points) and Democrats strongly disapproving (net disapproval of 76 points). Independent voters are underwater in their approval of Trump by 19 points.
Demographic Trends
Trump’s approval ratings are stronger among men, white voters, and those without college degrees. Conversely, he is viewed more negatively by women, Hispanic and Black voters, and those with college degrees.
Comparison to Biden
Although Trump’s approval ratings are an improvement over his first term, they fall short of former President Joe Biden’s approval ratings at the start of his presidency. Biden’s approval rating remained in the low to mid 50s during his first six months in office, with disapproval in the upper 30s to low to mid 40s.
Biden’s Decline and Trump’s Rise
Biden’s approval ratings took a significant hit in the late summer and autumn of 2021 due to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, soaring inflation, and a surge in migrants crossing the southern border. His approval ratings remained underwater for the rest of his presidency.
Conclusion
President Trump’s second term has begun with a frenetic pace and mixed public opinion. While his approval ratings are higher than they were at any point during his first term, they are still below those of his predecessor, Joe Biden. The massive partisan divide and demographic trends in Trump’s approval ratings suggest a country deeply divided over his presidency.
