President Donald Trump is facing a brutal reality check just months into his second term. A brand-new New York Times/Siena College poll shows his approval ratings plummeting — and fast.
Only 42% of voters give Trump a thumbs-up, while a solid 54% say they disapprove of his performance. That’s a painful 12-point gap, worse than what most modern presidents have seen at this stage. Especially worrying for Trump? Independents are abandoning him in droves, with only 29% sticking by his side. More than 60% now believe he’s abusing presidential powers and losing touch with everyday Americans.
Economy and Immigration: Once Strengths, Now Weaknesses
The economy, once Trump’s pride and joy, isn’t doing him any favors either. A stunning 51% of voters disapprove of his immigration policies — a major blow to his base — and on broader economic management, frustration is rising. While 47% still support his hardline immigration stances, discontent is seeping into areas once considered Trump strongholds, like trade and federal economic policy.
In fact, 12% now strongly disapprove of how he’s handling the economy — an alarming number for any president.
Read More: Trump Can’t Stop Talking About Biden: 580 Mentions Since Taking Office
Ukraine, Deportations, and Tariffs Spark Fury
The Ukraine war is another sore spot for Trump. Just 35% approve of his handling of the crisis, and the controversial case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an immigrant wrongfully deported to El Salvador, has ignited outrage. Only 31% support Trump’s actions in that situation, a figure that’s sending shockwaves through the Democratic base.
Trade wars aren’t winning him fans either. 55% oppose his tariffs, with a massive 63% of independents calling foul. While most Americans still believe in the value of global trade and alliances, Trump’s policies are splitting the electorate wide open.
“Too Much Change, Too Fast”
More than half of voters — 54% — say Trump’s changes to the political and economic system have gone too far, including a whopping 63% of independents. Half of all respondents describe Trump’s disruption as a “bad thing” for the country.
With the 2024 elections looming closer, Democrats are finding a silver lining. They now hold a slim but significant 3-point lead in the generic congressional ballot, signaling a potential power shift if these trends continue.
Meanwhile, Trump’s overall approval average continues its downward slide: now 45.1% approval versus 51.8% disapproval.
If Trump hoped for a honeymoon period in his second term, it’s safe to say it’s officially over.
