President Donald Trump’s approval rating has slipped to 45%, according to a new Emerson College Polling survey released on August 29, 2025. This marks a four-point drop since January, while his disapproval rating rose by six points to 47%. The poll, which surveyed 1,000 voters nationwide, offers a revealing snapshot of the shifting political climate as the country heads into a pivotal election cycle.
The survey highlights a nation divided not just on presidential performance but also on key policy issues. One of the more contentious topics: Trump’s recent decision to deploy the National Guard to 19 states in support of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A plurality of voters—48%—said they disapprove of this move, while 44% approve. This split extends to specific cities as well. Nearly half of respondents (48%) approve of deploying the National Guard to Washington, D.C., but an equal percentage disapprove of sending troops to Los Angeles, New York, or Boston. In Chicago, 47% voiced disapproval of such a deployment.
These numbers suggest that while the use of the National Guard for immigration enforcement may resonate with some segments of the electorate, it’s far from a consensus issue. The data, reported by WHTM and confirmed by Emerson College Polling, underscores the challenge for the Trump administration in balancing its hardline immigration stance with growing public unease over militarized responses in American cities.
Meanwhile, the Democratic field is experiencing its own shakeup. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s support in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary has surged, jumping from 12% in June to 25% by late August. This 13-point leap is notable across several key demographic groups. Spencer Kimball, Executive Director of Emerson College Polling, pointed out, “Governor Newsom’s support surged across key demographic groups, highlighted by a 12-point increase among voters under 30 (6% to 18%), an 18-point increase among voters over 70 (13% to 31%), and a 14-point increase among both Black (9% to 23%) and White (10% to 24%) voters.”
This broad-based momentum has propelled Newsom into a statistical tie with Vice President JD Vance in a hypothetical general election matchup. Both candidates now claim 44% support, with 12% of voters still undecided. Just a month ago, Newsom trailed Vance 42% to 45%, with 13% undecided. The rapid shift signals a dynamic and unpredictable race ahead of the 2028 election.
As for what’s driving voters to the polls, the economy remains the top issue, cited by 33% of respondents. Threats to democracy follow at 24%, with immigration (12%) and healthcare (9%) rounding out the list of foremost concerns. These numbers reflect a nation still wrestling with economic uncertainty and broader anxieties about the country’s political direction.
When it comes to personal finances, Americans are feeling the pinch. Forty-one percent of voters reported that their family’s finances are worse off than a year ago—a four-point increase since July. Only 28% say they are better off, which is down four points, while 31% say their situation is about the same. This sense of economic malaise may explain why the economy continues to dominate as the primary issue for voters.
On the policy front, the survey also reveals a significant shift in public opinion on marijuana legalization. A solid 65% of voters now support legalizing marijuana nationally, up five points since October 2024. Support is strongest among younger voters (under 30) at 71%, and among those in their 40s at 74%. However, not every demographic is on board: “All age groups think national marijuana legalization is a good idea except those over 70, who think it is a bad idea 52% to 48%,” Kimball noted. The generational divide on this issue is clear, but the overall trend points to growing acceptance of marijuana reform.
Sports fans, too, are weighing in as the NFL season approaches. With the season kickoff slated for September 4, 10% of voters polled believe the Kansas City Chiefs will take home the Super Bowl trophy. The reigning champions, the Philadelphia Eagles (who bested Kansas City last season), garnered 7% support to repeat, matching the Buffalo Bills’ 7%, while the Detroit Lions trailed at 5%. Regional loyalties are alive and well: “Northeasterners are most confident in the defending champion Eagles repeating, with 20% expecting them to win another title. In the Midwest, regional loyalties show through, as more fans are backing the Lions (15%) and Packers (14%) than the Chiefs (11%),” Kimball said.
The Emerson College Polling survey, which offers a detailed breakdown of its methodology and complete results on its website, paints a picture of a country at a crossroads. The drop in Trump’s approval rating and the public’s skepticism over deploying the National Guard for immigration enforcement signal a possible shift in the national mood. At the same time, the Democratic primary landscape is being redrawn, with Newsom’s rise shaking up what many thought would be a predictable contest.
Underlying these political and policy debates is a pervasive sense of economic anxiety. With more Americans feeling worse off financially than a year ago, and the economy dominating voters’ concerns, candidates from both parties will be under pressure to present compelling solutions. The increased support for marijuana legalization, especially among younger and middle-aged voters, may also foreshadow further changes in the nation’s policy landscape.
As the NFL season gets underway, even sports preferences reflect the country’s regional divides and shifting loyalties. Whether in politics or football, Americans are making their voices heard, and the months ahead promise to be anything but dull.
The latest Emerson College Polling survey reminds us that in American politics, nothing stays still for long. Public opinion is a moving target, shaped by events, personalities, and the ever-changing fortunes of daily life. As the 2028 election draws closer, all eyes will be on how these trends continue to evolve—and who will ultimately win over a restless and divided electorate.