Trump’s Second Term: Executive Actions and Divided Approval Ratings
President Donald Trump, continuing his pattern of decisive action, recently signed an executive order initiating the dismantling of the Department of Education, a long-held aspiration of conservatives. At a White House signing ceremony, Trump proclaimed, "Today we take a very historic action that was 45 years in the making. It’s about time." This move is part of a broader trend of Trump asserting his political influence since returning to the White House two months prior.
Trump has been actively expanding presidential powers and reshaping government policy through a series of executive orders and actions, including substantial reductions in the federal workforce. According to Fox News, he has signed nearly 100 executive orders since his inauguration, exceeding the rate of any recent predecessor in their initial weeks in office.
While the President emphasizes "a lot of great things are happening" and that "things are doing very well," public opinion remains divided on his performance in his second term. A recent Fox News national poll indicates that 49% of Americans approve of Trump’s job, while 51% disapprove, based on surveys conducted between March 14-17.
The Fox News poll aligns with other national surveys, highlighting a deeply partisan divide regarding Trump and his agenda. An overwhelming 92% of Republican respondents approved of his performance, mirrored by an equal percentage of Democrats who disapproved. Independents leaned towards disapproval, with over six in ten expressing dissatisfaction.
Despite the division, Trump’s 49% approval rating matches his all-time high in Fox News polling, previously achieved in April 2020, near the end of his first term. Furthermore, it surpasses his approval rating at the same point in his first administration (43% in March 2017). It is worth remembering that most polls during his first term revealed predominantly negative approval numbers for the president.
Daron Shaw, a member of the Fox News Decision Team and the Republican partner on the Fox News Poll, attributes the improvement to the consolidation of the Republican base. "The party’s completely solidified behind him," Shaw stated, contrasting it with his initial challenges in gaining full Republican support during his first term.
Shaw notes that Democrats were already united against Trump in 2017 and remain so today. Citing polls revealing Democratic Party favorability at record lows, he remarked, "They don’t like their own party very much, but they all agreed that they don’t like Trump."
While Trump’s current poll numbers exceed those of eight years ago, there has been a slight decline recently. An average of recent national polls shows his approval ratings dipping just below 50%, whereas they were in the low 50s with disapproval in the mid-40s when he returned to the White House in late January.
The weakening economic factors and apprehension about Trump’s tariffs potentially triggering further inflation are contributing to this downward trend. Inflation played a significant role in keeping former President Biden’s approval ratings low for much of his presidency.
Recent surveys, including the latest Fox News poll, suggest increasing skepticism about Trump’s economic policies. Shaw emphasizes the significance of independents, stating, "If the Republicans are locked down in favor of Trump and Democrats locked down in opposition, it’s just independents."
Polls indicate that independents are currently disapproving of Trump’s handling of the economy. However, Shaw suggests that "if inflation comes down a bit, if there’s some growth, those numbers are going to flip. That’s what independents do. They go with the times."
Trump’s second term is characterized by swift policy changes, particularly the dismantling of the Department of Education, executed through executive orders. While these actions resonate strongly with his base, creating record high approval among Republicans, national opinion remains significantly split. The impact of his economic policies, especially concerning inflation and international tariffs, is proving to be a key determinant in the opinion of the independent voter, who appear skeptical of the impact of Trump’s economic direction.
As the term progresses, the President’s ability to maintain Republican solidarity while simultaneously addressing concerns about the economy will be crucial in determining the overall trajectory of his approval ratings and the success of his second term agenda. The consolidation of the Republican base, though a source of strength, also underscores the challenges he faces in appealing to a broader electorate. Therefore, his ability to navigate economic challenges and persuade independent voters will determine the long term success of his administration.
