As Donald Trump approaches the 100-day mark of his second presidency, public opinion has shifted dramatically, with many Americans expressing deep dissatisfaction with his performance. A recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS reveals that Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to 41%, marking the lowest for any newly elected president at this stage since Dwight Eisenhower's administration. This decline in approval reflects a 4-point drop since March and a staggering 7-point decrease from late February 2025.
Among the public, only 22% strongly approve of Trump's handling of his duties, while nearly twice as many—45%—strongly disapprove. This stark division is evident across demographic lines, with notable drops in approval from women and Hispanic Americans, both down 7 points to 36% and 28%, respectively. Partisan divides remain pronounced, with 86% of Republicans supporting Trump and 93% of Democrats opposing him. Political independents have also turned against the president, with his approval rating among this group dipping to 31%, matching his previous low.
Trump's handling of key issues has also come under scrutiny. Approval ratings for his economic policies have dropped significantly, with only 39% now satisfied with his management of the economy, a career low for him. Confidence in his ability to tackle inflation has fallen to just 35%, a 9-point decline since early March. Many Americans are increasingly concerned about the implications of his tariff policies, which have contributed to volatility in the stock market and rising prices. A significant portion of the public believes Trump's focus on tariffs is misguided, with many expressing that he is not delivering on his promises regarding the economy.
Despite these challenges, Trump’s supporters maintain a positive outlook, asserting that he is fulfilling his campaign promises. However, broader public sentiment indicates that many feel worse off financially under his administration. A CBS News/YouGov survey conducted around the same time found that most Americans believe Trump is making significant changes to how the government operates, but his approval ratings on economic issues remain low.
Immigration, another key area of Trump’s agenda, has also seen a decline in approval ratings. While many Americans believe his policies have reduced border crossings, there is considerable disapproval regarding the deportation program. Approximately three-quarters of respondents find it unacceptable for legal residents to be mistakenly detained, and 80% disapprove of the deportation of legal residents to foreign countries. This discontent is reflected in Trump's overall ratings on immigration, which have slipped since the beginning of his term.
As Trump continues to reshape Washington, his administration has faced increasing criticism for its approach to governance. A significant majority of Americans support limits on presidential powers, believing that Trump should work with Congress to enact policies rather than relying on executive orders. This sentiment is echoed across party lines, with many Republicans advocating for their representatives to push back against Trump when necessary.
Despite the mounting challenges, Trump remains defiant, asserting that he is committed to his agenda. In a recent interview, he expressed satisfaction with his accomplishments, stating, "I’m having a lot of fun, considering what I do." However, the perception of his presidency among the public is increasingly polarized, with many Americans feeling frustrated and nervous about the future.
Looking ahead, the political landscape remains uncertain as Trump navigates the complexities of his second term. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining whether he can regain support among disillusioned voters, particularly independents and moderates who have shifted away from him. As the 2024 election approaches, Trump will need to address the concerns of those who feel left behind by his policies while maintaining the loyalty of his core supporters.
Ultimately, Trump's presidency continues to evoke strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. As he approaches this significant milestone, the question remains: can he turn the tide of public opinion and solidify his legacy, or will the mounting criticisms overshadow his efforts?
The CNN poll was conducted among 1,678 adults nationwide from April 17-24, 2025, with a margin of sampling error of ±2.9 points. Similarly, the CBS News/YouGov survey, which included 2,356 U.S. adults interviewed between April 23-25, 2025, has a margin of error of ±2.4 points. Both surveys reflect a growing unease among the electorate regarding Trump's leadership and the direction of the country.
