Donald Trump's Approval Rating Hits 49% Again

In the latest round of approval rating polls, President Donald Trump has matched his highest approval rating of 49%, originally achieved in April 2020 during his first term, according to a recent Fox News survey.

The poll, conducted from March 14 to March 17 among 994 registered voters, reveals a significant consolidation of support among Republican voters, reflecting a generally divided national sentiment regarding Trump's performance. As Daron Shaw, a member of the FOX News Decision Team noted, "The difference is largely a function of the consolidation of the Republican base." This polling data outstrips Trump's previous 43% approval rating recorded in March 2017, indicating a notable shift in public perception over the years.

However, a closer look at the data paints a more complex picture. While 49% of respondents express approval of Trump’s job performance, 51% disapprove, with significant discontent surrounding his handling of the economy and inflation specifically. A separate Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted between March 11 and 12 further reinforced these concerns, indicating that 52% of respondents disapproved of his overall performance, with only 44% expressing approval.

Trump's approval ratings, although noteworthy, remain a subject of contention and illustrate a sharp divide among voters. CNN's chief data analyst, Harry Enten, pointed out that Trump is the only president since 1937 to have a net approval rating in the negatives this early in his presidency, further emphasizing the unique challenges he faces.

Despite this, certain aspects of his governance resonate more positively with the public. Approving figures for Trump’s management of border security, for instance, stood at 56%, compared to a much lower approval rating of 40% for his management of inflation.

Additional approval ratings reveal that Trump's overall figures fluctuate. According to AtlasIntel’s data, Trump holds a slightly lower 47.3% approval rating compared to 52.4% disapproval in March 2025, which indicates a dip of 3% from the previous month alongside a 2.7% increase in disapproval ratings. In the context of growing economic concerns, including potential government layoffs and tariffs, Trump's approval is likely to be affected as public sentiment continues to evolve.

Public sentiment in various demographics reflects these underlying trends. A Powder & Bulk Solids poll indicated a strikingly polarized opinion, as 52% of respondents rated Trump’s performance as "Terrible," while only 33% described it as "Great". This further underscores the level of division in perceptions of his presidency.

Additional polls substantiating these mixed public attitudes include an American Research Group poll indicating 46% approval and 51% disapproval, and another evident in an AtlastIntel survey showing similar results with 47% approval against 52% disapproval. Each of these metrics exemplifies the ongoing volatility in Trump's approval ratings as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

A particularly notable detail emerges from the assessment of independents. Reports suggest that more than six in ten independents expressed disapproval of Trump’s job performance. Such trends are not favorable as gaining support in this demographic is often crucial for a presidential candidate’s success.

In the backdrop of the current politically charged climate, Congressman Mike Simpson voiced his support through social media stating: "The media has worked tirelessly to paint [POTUS] and his policies in a negative light. Don't be fooled. Approval ratings for Pres. Trump and Republicans are at record highs. America is once again leading with strength." This highlights the divergence between how Trump’s supporters perceive his policies compared to those who remain critical.

As the months unfold, Trump's approval ratings may continue to fluctuate amid rising concerns about economic performance and internal stability within his administration. The impact of these ratings can significantly influence his ability to push forward policy agendas and maintain support among lawmakers, further complicating his political landscape.

Ultimately, the narrative surrounding Trump’s presidency appears to remain closely divided. While some polls yield more favorable numbers, the overall sentiment shows a nation still grappling with perceptions of governance and efficacy. It’s clear that the path ahead is fraught with challenges, and the general voter sentiment will play a critical role as the upcoming elections draw near.