Public Unease Over Economy Sinks Trump's Approval Rating to 42 Percent

Donald Trump's approval rating has slipped to 42%, marking its lowest point since he returned to the White House in January 2025. Recent polls, including one from AtlasIntel, show disapproval climbing to 52%, reflecting growing public unease. The drop comes as Americans grapple with the impacts of new tariffs, rising inflation, and contentious immigration policies. For many, these issues have cast a shadow over the early months of Trump's second term.

The economy, a perennial priority for voters, appears to be the main driver of this decline. Surveys indicate that only 43% of Americans approve of Trump's handling of economic issues, a stark contrast to his stronger ratings during his first term. With stock market volatility and fears of price increases tied to tariffs, public sentiment has soured. Yet, the picture is complex, as Trump retains solid backing on immigration among his core supporters, even as others question the approach.

Several factors are shaping this downturn. Economic pessimism is at the forefront, with 81% of registered voters in 2024 citing the economy as a top concern. New tariffs, intended to boost domestic industries, have raised fears of higher consumer prices, hitting working-class families hardest. Gallup polls show 55% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s economic stewardship, a first for him in major surveys. This shift is particularly pronounced among independents, a crucial group whose support has waned.

Immigration policy, another pillar of Trump’s agenda, elicits mixed reactions. While Republicans and some independents back his aggressive deportation measures, others see them as divisive. Legal challenges and high-profile controversies surrounding these policies have further eroded broader support. AtlasIntel’s April poll highlights this split, with 51% disapproving of Trump’s overall performance, even as his immigration stance retains a slim majority among certain voters.

Historical trends offer context. Trump’s current 42% approval is higher than his first-term average of 41% but lags behind the 60% post-World War II average for newly elected presidents. Unlike predecessors like Eisenhower or Kennedy, who enjoyed robust early approval, Trump faces a deeply polarized electorate. His 90% approval among Republicans contrasts sharply with just 4% among Democrats, underscoring a partisan chasm that shapes public opinion.

The stark partisan divide reflects broader trends in American politics. Surveys reveal that 61% of Americans view polarization as a critical threat, a bipartisan concern fueled by distrust in institutions and partisan media. This environment amplifies reactions to Trump’s policies, with supporters praising his bold moves and detractors decrying their consequences. The result is a fragmented public discourse where consensus is elusive.

Media plays a pivotal role in this dynamic. With trust in traditional outlets at a historic low—31% of Americans express confidence—many turn to social media platforms like X for news. These platforms often amplify partisan voices, deepening divisions. For instance, Trump’s direct communication with supporters via X has bolstered his base but alienated others who encounter critical coverage elsewhere. This fractured media landscape makes it harder for any president to sustain broad approval.

Voter demographics add another layer. Trump’s strongest supporters tend to be older, white, and less likely to hold college degrees, with cultural and economic anxieties driving their loyalty. In contrast, younger, more diverse, and educated voters lean away, prioritizing issues like racial equity and climate change. These divides, rooted in decades of shifting cultural and economic tides, shape how Trump’s policies land across the electorate.

Historically, presidential approval ratings often stabilize after an initial dip, but Trump’s path may differ. Unlike former presidents like Reagan or Clinton, whose favorability rose post-tenure, Trump’s ongoing political activity keeps him in the spotlight, sustaining both ardent support and fierce opposition. His current 42% approval, while low, is not unprecedented; Biden faced similar challenges late in his term. Yet, the intensity of today’s polarization sets Trump apart.

As Trump navigates his second term, the economy and immigration will likely remain flashpoints. For Americans feeling the pinch of higher prices or unsettled by rapid policy shifts, these issues carry tangible weight. Whether Trump can regain ground depends on his ability to address these concerns while bridging a divided nation—a tall order in a time of deep distrust and competing visions for the future.