Donald Trump’s recent victory in regaining the Oval Office has come with mixed public sentiment, particularly as the 100-day mark of his administration approaches. A CNN poll conducted by SSRS highlights a significant shift in public perception, with many Americans expressing increasingly negative views about his performance. Despite entering the presidency with the strongest poll numbers of his political career, Trump’s approval rating stands at 41%, marking the lowest for any newly elected president in the first 100 days, a record that dates back to the Eisenhower administration and surpasses even Trump’s own previous first term.
The CNN poll illustrates a concerning trajectory for Trump, revealing that his approval rating has dropped not only from previous months but also across various demographics. Since March, there has been a notable decline among women and Hispanic Americans, with approval ratings dipping down to 36% among women and 28% among Hispanics. Partisan divides remain stark, as a remarkable 86% of Republicans continue to approve of Trump’s handling of the presidency, while an overwhelming 93% of Democrats disapprove. Even among political independents, Trump’s approval has fallen to an alarming low of 31%, paralleling his first-term low at a similar stage in his presidency.
Moreover, the results show that Trump is struggling with public confidence regarding his handling of key issues that resonate with voters. His performance in economic matters, for instance, is receiving critical scrutiny, with approval ratings decreasing sharply. The latest figures indicate a 9-point drop in public confidence regarding inflation, standing at merely 35%, and a similar decrease on the topic of tariffs, also ending at 35%. Overall, Trump’s marks for managing the economy have plummeted to a career-low 39%, reflecting a dramatic shift from earlier performances and expectations. Only 52% of respondents voiced confidence in his capability to handle economic challenges, a figure down 13 points since December.
Many individuals participating in the poll expressed their disappointment in Trump’s administration thus far. For example, a Virginia resident who has dedicated over two decades to federal service lamented the turn of events, stating, “I was going to give him the benefit of the doubt, because I figured, you know, he could do things to help the economy, and … further disappointment.” This sentiment underscores the gap between expectations for Trump’s presidency and the reality experienced by many voters.
In addition to economic challenges, Trump’s relationship with the federal workforce and the overall management of the government is under fire. A marked decline in approval ratings has been observed, dropping to 42% approval for government management, which indicates a 6-point drop since March. Less than half of respondents—43%—believe Trump’s approach is a necessary shake-up, while a significant majority, 57%, argue that his actions pose a risk to national stability.
Trump’s foreign policy moves, characterized by a seemingly friendlier stance toward Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the discontinuation of several foreign aid programs, have also drawn sharp criticism, garnering a 60% disapproval rate among respondents. Approval ratings for his handling of foreign affairs have similarly decreased to 39%. Additionally, the president’s immigration policies have not fared much better, now sitting at 45%, reflecting a diminishing confidence level compared to earlier this year.
Interestingly, Trump has achieved a narrowly positive rating only in the areas concerning gender identity and trans rights, where his handling received a 51% approval rating. While this includes overwhelming support from 90% of Republicans, it simultaneously illustrates a significant divide, as only 16% of Democrats expressed approval.
Despite this mixed bag of approval ratings and public sentiment, many Americans still perceive Trump as delivering on his campaign promises. The same CNN poll indicates that approximately 48% of respondents feel he is doing a good job of this, closely echoing feedback from his first term. However, contrasting feelings emerge, as only 28% of surveyed individuals believe he has made tangible progress toward addressing pressing national issues.
The CNN poll, carried out among 1,678 adults across the nation between April 17-24, ensured a representation through a combination of both online and telephone interviews. As political observers analyze these findings, it is clear that Trump’s second term introduces a battleground of public opinion that reflects America’s evolving political landscape, showcasing the complexities and challenges of leadership that continue to inform and shape his administration.