Poll Position: Trump Faces Mixed Approval Ratings Amid Second Term Challenges

Eleven weeks into his second term, President Donald Trump is making waves—whether you think that's a good thing or not. With 111 executive orders signed since his inauguration on January 20, Trump’s pace is unmatched by his predecessors, a feat he proudly declared as "more than any in American history." But while his pen is working overtime, the public seems to have mixed feelings about his performance.

Trump’s executive actions have reshaped government policy and trimmed the federal workforce, expanding presidential powers in ways rarely seen before. Yet, public opinion polls paint a murky picture. A Reuters/Ipsos survey from March 31 to April 2 shows a 43% approval rating and 53% disapproval, with a Wall Street Journal poll from the same timeframe echoing similar sentiments at 46%-51%. While a Daily Mail survey suggests his approval might be in positive territory, most other national polls since mid-March indicate Trump’s ratings are underwater.

Economic concerns appear to be the biggest factor dragging down the president’s numbers. Inflation and fears of a recession, compounded by last week’s tariff announcement that spooked financial markets, have put him on shaky ground. Trump’s approval on handling the economy stands at a dismal 37% in the Reuters/Ipsos poll, though slightly higher at 44% in the Wall Street Journal survey. His response to the market plunge? "Sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something," he told reporters.

Still, Trump’s base remains steadfast. Pollster Neil Newhouse noted that Trump’s current approval averages are higher than at any point during his first term, a reassuring metric for his supporters. Meanwhile, immigration and border security remain bright spots for the president, with positive ratings in both major polls. But success on these issues has ironically muted their prominence in public discourse—proof that even victories come with their own challenges.

As Daron Shaw, a political analyst, pointed out, Trump is "losing the narrative" when it comes to tariffs and their role in his broader economic strategy. The president will need to convince Americans that his policies are not just disruptive but purposeful.

Despite the downward trend in approval ratings, Trump’s numbers are still superior to his first-term stats, which were largely stuck in negative territory. And while he’s facing criticism, his Republican base remains firmly in his corner—a crucial difference this time around.

Love him or loathe him, Trump’s second term is shaping up to be just as polarizing as his first. The question is, can he turn these early challenges into a rallying cry for his supporters or risk alienating the broader electorate?