Donald Trump’s presidential approval ratings remained stable throughout his first month in office, despite a tumultuous beginning that involved mass government layoffs, surging egg prices, stock market volatility, and escalating global tariff conflicts.
On Wednesday, Trump implemented a sweeping 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, asserting that these measures were necessary to address trade imbalances and rejuvenate domestic industries. In response, Canada and Europe swiftly retaliated with billions in countertariffs.
In a recent address to Congress, Trump acknowledged that his presidency had begun at a rapid and intense pace. He defended many of his administration’s contentious policies, including substantial government spending cuts, widespread layoffs, the elimination of diversity and inclusion initiatives in workplaces and schools, the 25% tariffs levied on Canada and Mexico, and his stringent stance on immigration and border security. Trump described his approach as a “swift and unrelenting” start.
The latest Gallup poll showed that Trump’s job approval rating averaged 46% since the beginning of his second term. By comparison, his first-term average stood at 41%. Throughout both terms, his approval ratings have fluctuated between a low of 34% and a high of 49%.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 44% of respondents approved of Trump’s first month in office. Reports also indicated that his current approval ratings surpass those from his first term and exceed those of his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.
Breaking down specific policies, the Reuters poll revealed that 47% of respondents approved of Trump’s immigration approach, while 42% disapproved.
According to the ABC News project538 poll, Trump’s approval rating as of Friday morning stood at 47.7%. The same poll indicated that 54.4% of Americans disapproved of Congress. Additionally, Vice President JD Vance had a slightly higher disapproval rating, with 42.8% viewing him unfavorably compared to 40.8% who held a favorable opinion.
The recently imposed tariffs and ongoing stock market instability were expected to influence Trump’s approval ratings. Here’s a look at how Americans currently perceive his performance based on recent polling data.
How Are Americans Reacting to Trump’s Presidency Amid Trade Conflicts?
A SSRS/CNN poll released Wednesday found that 45% of Americans approved of Trump’s overall job performance, while 54% disapproved. However, approval ratings varied depending on the issue. For instance, 51% of respondents approved of his immigration policies, 48% supported his management of the federal budget, and 45% approved of his economic policies.
Trump faced challenges in public perception regarding tariffs, as only 39% approved of his handling of trade policies, whereas 61% disapproved.
An Emerson College Polling survey conducted after Trump’s 50th day in office found that 47% of voters approved of his performance, while 45% disapproved. This represented a decline from the 49% approval and 41% disapproval ratings recorded at the start of his second term.