New Polls Shock Washington: What Americans Really Think About Trump’s Second Presidency

For weeks, speculation swirled through Washington that the next round of presidential approval ratings would bring bad news — possibly historic lows. Now, the numbers have landed, and they confirm what many suspected: the country remains as divided as ever under President Donald J. Trump’s second term.

Nine months into his return to the White House, Trump’s presidency is as loud, relentless, and unpredictable as before. His governing style — built on speed, conflict, and constant motion — hasn’t mellowed with time.

From sweeping executive orders and surprise Cabinet reshuffles to fierce trade disputes and fiery exchanges with the media, Trump continues to dominate headlines. To his supporters, this is proof of decisive leadership. To his critics, it’s a replay of the chaos that once consumed the nation.

When asked recently whether he planned to tone down his approach, Trump’s answer was classic and immediate:

“You don’t fix a broken country by whispering. You fix it by shouting the truth louder than the lies.”

Behind the bold rhetoric, however, his team has been closely tracking something no rally can silence — the polls.

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A President Under Pressure

According to a new YouGov national survey, Trump’s overall approval rating has dropped to 41%, with 52% disapproving of his performance — his lowest mark since reclaiming office.

The decline follows what began as a brief surge of optimism early in his term, when his economic promises seemed to lift confidence. But trade disputes, tariff hikes, and constant battles with the media have since eroded that goodwill.

Even within his own party, cracks are starting to show. Support among Republicans remains high at 82%, but that figure is five points lower than his peak during his first term. Among independents — the swing voters who often decide elections — only 32% approve of Trump’s job performance.

These numbers are concerning not only for Trump but also for the entire Republican Party heading into the next midterm cycle.

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Erosion in the Heartland

Perhaps the most striking revelation from the data is where Trump’s support is slipping. States once considered his strongholds — the bedrock of “Trump Country” — are beginning to waver.

In Ohio, approval has fallen from 57% to 48%.
In Iowa, from 55% to 46%.
And in Florida, his longtime political stronghold, Trump has dipped below 50% for the first time in years.

Political analyst Peter Hartwell summarized the shift:

“Many voters backed Trump believing he could restore economic stability. Now they’re questioning whether constant confrontation is worth the price.”

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Trump’s Response: “Fake Polls, Fake News”

When confronted about the downturn in a recent Fox News interview, Trump was dismissive.

“When the factories reopen — and they will — the numbers will change,” he said. “These are fake polls from bad pollsters.”

He even criticized Fox’s internal polling, joking that the network should “get a new pollster because the current one stinks.”

Later, on Truth Social, Trump doubled down:

“The fake news loves their fake polls. But the people know the truth — America is winning again.”

For Trump, poll numbers have always been just another battlefield in his ongoing war with the media.

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Why These Numbers Matter

Political historians warn that approval ratings below 45% can have tangible consequences.

“When a president’s approval drops that low, members of his own party start protecting themselves,” explained historian Elaine Berns. “It changes the political calculus in Congress.”

With midterm elections approaching, that shift could prove costly. Historically, presidents with sub-45% approval see their party lose an average of 25 to 30 House seats.

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What’s Driving Discontent

The YouGov poll identified key issues fueling frustration among voters.

Among Republicans, 35% cited discontent over tariffs and trade policies, which they say have hurt businesses and raised prices.

Among Democrats and independents, the criticism focuses on tone and trust:

• 62% believe Trump “stokes division.”

• 55% say he “undermines the rule of law.”

• 49% report they “no longer believe his statements about the economy.”

Even on once-popular issues like immigration and crime, approval has dropped.

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A Nation Divided

Trump’s strongest backing remains among older, white, non-college-educated male voters — the same coalition that powered his 2024 comeback. But he continues to lose ground among young people, women, and minorities:

• 72% of voters under 30 disapprove.

• 81% of Black voters disapprove.

• 63% of Latino voters disapprove.

Still, Trump’s political resilience is undeniable. No Democratic leader currently polls significantly higher. Kamala Harris stands at 39% approval, while Gavin Newsom sits at 37% — proof that public dissatisfaction extends beyond party lines.

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Trump’s Counterattack: “We’re Winning Anyway”

At rallies across Pennsylvania and Michigan, Trump brushed off the negative headlines, telling supporters:

“They can print all the fake polls they want. But gas is cheaper, jobs are back, and America is stronger.”

His defiant tone drew thunderous applause. Among his core supporters, that message still resonates — proof that emotion often outweighs data.

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The Bottom Line

Trump’s approval ratings may be slipping, but his movement remains deeply rooted in conviction rather than consensus. His base views him not merely as a politician, but as a fighter against the establishment — a symbol of defiance.

As Trump himself put it before boarding Air Force One this week:

“They say the numbers are down. I say America’s going up. The best is yet to come.”

Whether the polls are a warning or another misjudgment of his political durability remains to be seen. One thing is certain — Donald Trump’s second presidency is once again testing the limits of American politics.