As President Donald Trump approaches the 100th day of his second term, his administration is facing a wave of declining support.
A series of recent polls shows his approval ratings hitting new lows, reflecting widespread discontent with his handling of key issues such as the economy, inflation, and international relations.
Scandals, policy reversals, and internal feuds have begun to erode the trust of many Americans who initially supported his bold and often divisive approach to governance.
The Polls Speak Loudly
Recent polling data has made it clear that Trump’s approval rating is in freefall. According to the Pew Research Centre, his approval has dropped to -19, while the Economist-YouGov and Reuters-Ipsos polls show similarly grim numbers of -13 and -11, respectively.
Even traditionally conservative outlets like Fox News, which has often been favorable towards Trump, now report a disapproval rating of -11. The weight of this public discontent is becoming increasingly impossible to ignore.
Michael Sozan, a Senior Fellow at the Centre for American Progress, believes that the decline in Trump’s approval is not surprising. “What it shows is that President Trump is removing the guardrails of a traditional presidency, trying to function without the checks and balances that define the United States government,” Sozan said.
His critique points to a growing sense that the President’s leadership style is erratic and dangerously authoritarian, with little regard for the established norms of American democracy.
Public Confidence Erodes
Polls have consistently indicated that Americans are growing increasingly concerned with the direction Trump’s administration is taking. For the first time in a quarter-century, a Gallup poll found that more than half of Americans (53 percent) reported that their financial situation was worsening.
This is a stark contrast to the optimism that fueled Trump’s rise to power, when many believed his business background would lead to better economic outcomes.
Even Republicans are not immune to this shift in sentiment. Among them, 28 percent reported feeling that their financial situation had worsened.
The disillusionment extends beyond personal finances; according to a Washington Post analysis, the current situation is worse than during three previous U.S. recessions, including the 2007-2009 financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic-induced downturn.
The Economy Under Trump: A Sour Outlook
Trump’s economic policies have been a cornerstone of his agenda, but the latest polling data paints a troubling picture of their effectiveness.
The Fox News poll revealed that just 38 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, with 56 percent disapproving. Inflation, a major concern for many Americans, is among his weakest areas.
Only 33 percent of those surveyed approve of his approach to inflation, while 59 percent disapprove.
This downward trajectory in Trump’s economic approval ratings is echoed by an Economist-YouGov poll, which found that his overall approval on economic issues has dropped by double digits.
A full 53 percent of Americans disapprove of his handling of the economy, while only 41 percent approve.
The President’s economic decisions, particularly his controversial tariffs and cuts to government programs, are beginning to show their negative impact on Americans’ everyday lives.
From grocery store prices to gas station bills, the reality of inflation is hitting home for many voters.
Yet, as the Economist-YouGov poll found, only about 10 percent of independents feel that Trump’s economic policies have benefited them personally, with the majority feeling that they have had a negative effect.
The American Public Feels the Pain
The public’s growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s economic performance is not limited to abstract concerns. Americans are seeing the direct impact of his policies in their day-to-day lives.
Higher prices for everyday goods, including food and fuel, have made it clear that the economic recovery Trump promised has not materialized for many people. Instead, tariffs and government cuts are contributing to rising costs that families are now grappling with.
A significant portion of voters feels that Trump’s economic policies have harmed both their finances and the overall economy.
The Economist-YouGov poll showed that Americans felt the President’s policies were doing more harm than good, with respondents saying that the negative impact of these policies was far more pronounced than any positive outcomes.
Border Security and Immigration: Trump’s Strongholds
Despite his struggles on the economic front, Trump still holds strong support in areas like border security and immigration.
According to the Fox News poll, 55 percent of Americans approve of his policies on border security, while 47 percent approve of his stance on immigration.
These issues continue to resonate with Trump’s base, who view his hardline approach as a necessary step to protect American interests.
However, even in these areas, challenges are emerging. A recent poll indicated that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe Trump should comply with a court order to return a man who was wrongly deported, suggesting that even on issues traditionally seen as Trump’s strongholds, his approval may begin to slip.
The Role of Elon Musk in the Trump Administration
One of the more controversial figures associated with Trump’s administration is Elon Musk. While cutting government spending was a key campaign promise, Musk’s role in implementing cuts has been polarizing.
The Fox News poll found that 39 percent of Americans approve of Musk’s role at the Department of Government Efficiency, but 56 percent disapprove.
This sharp divide reflects the difficulty of translating bold promises into effective governance. Musk’s aggressive approach to trimming government programs has been met with criticism for its lack of practical execution.
This has created a sense of chaos within the administration, as important government functions are disrupted, further damaging Trump’s approval ratings.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Trump?
As Trump nears the 100-day mark of his second term, it is clear that his administration is at a crossroads.
With his approval ratings plummeting across multiple fronts, from the economy to immigration, Trump will need to reconsider his approach if he hopes to turn things around.
As Michael Sozan pointed out, the current state of Trump’s presidency suggests a lack of clear direction and an inability to effectively govern.
The President may need to address his administration’s internal dysfunctions and reevaluate his policy priorities if he wants to restore public confidence.
Conclusion: A Presidency in Decline?
Donald Trump’s second term is facing significant challenges, and the American public is starting to take notice.
With approval ratings sinking, economic policies falling short, and internal feuds becoming more pronounced, Trump is grappling with the consequences of his actions.
As the next phase of his presidency unfolds, it remains to be seen whether he can recover from these setbacks or if his agenda will continue to unravel.
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