A seismic shift is occurring in American politics. For the first time in his presidency, Donald Trump is registering negative approval ratings across every major poll. The data paints a stark picture: a growing number of Americans are expressing dissatisfaction with his leadership.
The numbers are consistent and compelling. Morning Consult, Ipsos, HarrisX, Quinnipiac, YouGov, and Pew Research – all independently – reveal a decline in support. Currently, 55% of Americans disapprove of the President, while only 41% continue to support him. This isn’t a marginal dip; it’s a significant reversal.
American Research Group documented the most dramatic change, finding a full 62% disapproval rate. This widespread discontent hasn’t emerged in a vacuum. Several factors appear to be fueling the shift, creating a perfect storm of public frustration.
The release of the Jeffrey Epstein files has proven particularly damaging. Trump initially campaigned on a promise of full transparency regarding the case, only to later dismiss it as “pretty boring stuff.” This perceived flip-flop, coupled with an unprecedented public petition and subsequent legislation, forced his hand, but not before sparking outrage.
The Epstein issue ignited a broader wave of frustration with the President’s policies. Even within his own party, cracks are beginning to show. A growing number of Republicans, once staunch supporters, are now questioning the direction of the country under his leadership.
September saw a notable increase – from 17% to 22% – in Trump voters who believe the nation is on the wrong track. This growing unease appears to be linked to a series of controversies, including the Charlie Kirk situation, ongoing tariff disputes, and a highly criticized press conference regarding paracetamol and autism.
This current downturn follows a pattern established at the end of his first term. He left office in 2021 with the lowest first-term approval rating ever recorded: a mere 34%. A return to the White House in January brought a temporary boost to 52%, but that momentum quickly faded.
Aggressive federal cuts implemented in early February accelerated the decline, threatening the jobs of hundreds of thousands of federal employees. While Republican support initially remained strong, the erosion of public confidence has become undeniable.
However, Trump is not alone in facing public disapproval. At a comparable point in his first term, President Joe Biden faced a 41% approval rating, with concerns about inflation weighing heavily on voters’ minds. Barack Obama also experienced a dip in approval after his re-election in 2013, falling from 52% to 41%.
Historically, the lowest presidential approval rating belonged to Richard Nixon, who plummeted to just 24% during the height of the Watergate scandal. Following his impeachment, a staggering 66% of Americans disapproved of his presidency. The current situation, while concerning for Trump, exists within a broader context of presidential challenges and public scrutiny.
