Trump’s Approval Dips to Near Record Low
Trump’s Approval Dips to Near Record Low as Public Rejects Economic Agenda, Poll Reveals
In a stark reflection of mounting public discontent, only 39% of Americans approve of President Donald Trump’s overall job performance, according to a new joint survey by Reuters and Ipsos published on December 16, 2025. The figure, just one point above his all-time low during his first term, marks a significant erosion in support since his January 2025 inauguration, when optimism briefly lifted his approval to 47%.
The nationwide poll, conducted from December 12 to 15 among 1,016 U.S. adults, paints a troubling portrait for an administration struggling to gain traction on key policy fronts. While Trump maintains a modest base of loyal supporters, a decisive 59% of respondents now disapprove of his leadership, with the remainder declining to answer.
Perhaps most alarming for the White House is the public’s sharp skepticism toward Trump’s economic strategy. Only 33% of Americans say they view the administration’s economic policies as effective, a striking shortfall in a domain long considered the former president’s strongest suit. In contrast, 58% express dissatisfaction with how the economy is being managed, signaling growing unease over inflation, employment volatility, or the perceived lack of coherent fiscal direction.
The data also reveals a deeply divided electorate on immigration, another signature issue for Trump. While 41% back his current immigration policies, a narrow but clear majority, 52% oppose them. This suggests that even on issues central to his political identity, Trump is failing to command broad consensus, let alone bipartisan support.
Historical context sharpens the concern. The current 39% approval rating is the second lowest of Trump’s second term, dipping just above the 38% recorded in mid-November 2025. That brief nadir followed a series of controversial executive orders and escalating tensions with key NATO allies, which appear to have left lasting scars on public perception.
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What makes these numbers especially significant is the timing. With the 2026 midterms looming and global markets reacting nervously to U.S. policy unpredictability, the administration’s inability to rally even modest economic confidence could hamper legislative momentum and embolden internal GOP critics. Moreover, the disconnect between Trump’s rhetoric—often touting “unprecedented prosperity”—and the public’s lived experience underscores a growing credibility gap.
Political analysts note that historically, presidential approval ratings below 40% at this stage of a term correlate with significant losses in congressional seats. For a Republican Party already navigating internal fractures, the Reuters-Ipsos findings may serve as both a warning and a catalyst for recalibration.
As Trump doubles down on hardline stances and rallies his core base, the broader electorate seems increasingly fatigued by polarization and policy ambiguity. The message from Main Street is clear: performance, not personality, is now the metric that matters most. And on that front, the president is falling short.
