Five months into his second term, President Trump’s approval ratings remain underwater, with voters divided on his handling of immigration, the economy, and foreign policy. His economic approval has seen a slight rebound after earlier setbacks from tariffs and market volatility, though it still trends negative. Support for his immigration agenda—his strongest issue—has begun to soften amid plans for mass deportations. Favorability has edged up slightly following the Israel-Iran ceasefire, suggesting modest recovery, according to Scott Tranter of Decision Desk HQ. As July 4 approaches, voter sentiment reveals a complex picture of Trump’s performance on major national concerns.
Overall job approval
Trump entered his second term with strong approval numbers but slipped into net-negative territory this spring following backlash over abrupt tariff decisions. After reaching peak disapproval in April, his ratings showed slight improvement in May and early June, according to Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ). However, by late June, approval fell again—hovering around 45%, with disapproval at 51%.
DDHQ recently reported a modest gain, noting Trump’s net approval hit minus-8 last week. “Both favorability and job approval have ticked up since the end of the Iran conflict,” said DDHQ’s Scott Tranter. “They’re now slightly higher than ranges seen during his first term, though still lower than post-inauguration highs.”
Gallup placed Trump at 40% approval in early June, prior to U.S. strikes on Iran—close to his 38% rating from June 2017 but far behind Biden’s 56% at the same point in his presidency. A June 27–30 Economist/YouGov poll found Trump’s net approval dropped to minus-11, down from minus-4 in May. Emerson College polling mirrored the decline, confirming Trump remains underwater.
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Economy
Trump’s economic approval ratings are showing signs of recovery after earlier trade policies dragged them down. Nate Silver’s tracker shows his net approval on the economy has stabilized at minus-12 following sharp declines in March and April.
In the latest Economist/YouGov poll, Trump held a 43% approval on jobs and the economy—steady from 42% in late June. However, he continues to struggle on inflation, with his net rating dropping from minus-15 to minus-24.
Gallup’s June Economic Confidence Index also showed slight improvement, rising from minus-22 in April to minus-14 this month. Meanwhile, Trump scored a legislative victory with the passage of his sweeping “big, beautiful bill,” which could significantly increase the federal deficit. Though the bill polls poorly, its long-term impact on Trump’s overall approval remains uncertain.
Immigration
Immigration remains one of Trump’s stronger issues, but recent polls show declining support for his hardline stance. “He’s lost ground,” said DDHQ’s Scott Tranter. “Some polls show him underwater, others are mixed—but overall, approval has dropped.”
The Economist/YouGov poll recorded a shift from a net +7 approval in May to -3 by late June. In his second term, Trump launched mass deportations and pushed to end birthright citizenship. After controversial ICE raids in Los Angeles, he deployed thousands of National Guard troops to California, intensifying conflict with Democrats.
A new PBS/NPR/Marist poll shows a net -9 approval on immigration. Most Americans—54%—believe ICE’s actions have “gone too far,” a sentiment shared widely among Democrats and independents. Still, 49% of Republicans viewed the enforcement as appropriate.
Foreign policy
Trump shocked the political world in late June by announcing U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, escalating tensions in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Days later, he brokered a fragile ceasefire, claiming the strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear threat—though critics question that assertion.
“He’s riding high after Iran,” said DDHQ’s Scott Tranter, calling the move “a clear win,” as Trump’s approval saw a modest boost. Still, public opinion remains split. A PBS/NPR/Marist poll showed Americans evenly divided on the strikes—supporting them 50-50. While 81% of Republicans backed the action, only 45% of independents and 23% of Democrats agreed. Three-quarters of respondents feared Iranian retaliation.
CNN polling painted a more negative view: 56% opposed the strikes, and 60% believed the attacks increased the threat from Iran.
Meanwhile, Trump announced a potential 60-day ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which could mark another diplomatic win if finalized. However, a Quinnipiac poll from mid-June showed just 35% approval for his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict and only 34% for his response to Russia’s war in Ukraine—a conflict Trump insists wouldn’t have occurred under his leadership. His efforts toward peace have stalled, as he continues to lash out at both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Donald Trump’s current overall approval rating?
As of the latest polling, Trump’s overall approval rating hovers around 45%, with disapproval near 51%, placing him in net-negative territory.
How is Trump performing on economic issues?
Trump’s approval on the economy shows slight recovery. Polls place his economic/job approval around 43%, though concerns about inflation remain high, with a net approval of minus-24 on prices.
What do Americans think about Trump’s handling of immigration?
Public opinion on Trump’s immigration policies has declined. His net approval dropped from +7 in May to -3 in late June, with most Americans viewing recent enforcement actions as too aggressive.
Did Trump’s approval improve after the Iran airstrikes?
Trump saw a short-term approval boost following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and a brokered ceasefire. However, polls show Americans remain divided, with many concerned about potential retaliation.
How do voters rate Trump’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict?
Approval for Trump’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict is low. A Quinnipiac poll in mid-June found only 35% support, reflecting skepticism about his role in resolving the long-standing crisis.
How does Trump’s second-term approval compare to his first?
Trump’s approval in his second term shows similar patterns to his first, with fluctuating numbers and consistent partisan divides. However, he trails significantly behind Biden’s ratings at the same point in his first year.
What impact could Trump’s recent legislative win have on his approval?
Trump recently signed a major spending bill, which could shift public perception. While initial polling shows mixed reactions, the long-term effects on his approval remain uncertain.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s approval ratings remain a mixed bag across key issues, reflecting a deeply divided electorate. While he’s seen modest rebounds in economic and foreign policy approval—particularly after the Iran ceasefire—his numbers on immigration, inflation, and global conflicts continue to drag. Despite securing legislative wins and diplomatic developments, polling shows that public sentiment remains cautious and polarized. As Trump navigates the remainder of his second term, shifts in voter perception will likely hinge on tangible outcomes rather than rhetoric.
