New Poll Reveals Trump's Approval Ratings Nine Weeks Into Second Presidency

President Donald Trump is making waves nine weeks into his second presidency, charging ahead with executive orders and policy changes that have left Americans divided over his leadership style and effectiveness. Trump has signed approximately 100 executive orders since his inauguration on January 20, a pace that eclipses that of his modern predecessors. He claims these moves are driving the nation forward, but not everyone is convinced.

According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted between March 21–23, 45% of Americans approve of how Trump is running the country, while 51% disapprove. These numbers are reflective of a polarized nation, particularly as the poll was taken prior to a controversy involving White House national security officials discussing sensitive military details on Signal—a potential breach of federal laws.

Meanwhile, a Fox News national poll conducted earlier (March 14–17) saw Trump's approval slightly higher at 49%, with the same disapproval rate of 51%. Despite the mixed reviews, Trump’s approval figures have edged down since the start of his term, when they hovered in the low 50s.

Economic concerns are also playing a role in the shift. Many Americans are on edge over whether Trump’s trade tariffs will worsen inflation, a ghost from the past that haunted Joe Biden’s presidency and kept his approval ratings underwater. Yet, Trump’s approval rating of 49% in the Fox poll matches his all-time high from April 2020 during his first presidency—a notable improvement compared to his first-term struggles, when his numbers were largely in the negative.

Republican pollster Neil Newhouse emphasizes that Trump’s current ratings are better than his first presidency's averages. GOP support for Trump has solidified this time around, unlike the early days of his first term when he faced skepticism from within his own party. Daron Shaw, a Fox News Decision Team member, attributes this to the consolidation of the Republican base, noting, "The party’s completely solidified behind him."

Trump’s popularity among Republicans may be rock solid, but the general public remains less enchanted. His favorability ratings are slightly underwater in aggregated national surveys. However, there is a silver lining: the percentage of Americans who believe the country is on the right track has climbed above 40% in recent polls, marking the most optimistic figures in years.

As for comparisons, Joe Biden started his presidency with approval ratings in the low-to-mid 50s before plummeting in late 2021. Issues like the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, border crises, and rising inflation tarnished his image, leaving him unable to recover. "He just got crippled and never recovered," Shaw said of Biden. Trump, meanwhile, seems determined to write a different story for his second term, even if it’s by sheer executive force.