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 numbers tell a stark story: a growing dissatisfaction with his leadership, a turning of the tide that could reshape the political landscape.
The data is comprehensive and consistent. From Morning Consult to Pew Research, the trend is undeniable. Currently, 55% of Americans disapprove of the President’s performance, while only 41% continue to offer their support. This isn’t a marginal dip; it’s a significant erosion of public confidence.
American Research Group documented the most dramatic change, revealing a 62% disapproval rate. This surge in negativity hasn’t appeared in a vacuum. Several factors appear to be converging, creating a perfect storm of public discontent.
The release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, an issue Trump initially campaigned on with promises of full disclosure, then dismissed as “pretty boring stuff,” has become a focal point. An unprecedented public petition and subsequent legislation forced his hand, but the damage may already be done.
The Epstein matter ignited a wider wave of frustration with the President’s policies and handling of sensitive issues. Even within his own party, cracks are beginning to show. A growing number of Republicans, once staunch supporters, are now expressing doubts about the direction of the country.
September saw a jump from 17% to 22% of Trump voters believing the nation was on the wrong track. This shift in sentiment isn’t attributable to a single event, but rather a series of controversies that have chipped away at his base’s loyalty.
Beyond the Epstein files, events like the circumstances surrounding Charlie Kirk’s situation, ongoing trade tariffs, and a controversial press conference linking paracetamol to autism have all contributed to a growing sense of unease among his followers. These moments have sown seeds of doubt where once there was unwavering support.
It’s a stark contrast to his departure from the Oval Office after his first term in 2021, when he left with a historically low 34% approval rating. His return to the White House in January brought a temporary boost to 52%, but that momentum quickly stalled, beginning a downward spiral by February.
Aggressive federal cuts implemented in early February further accelerated his declining approval, as hundreds of thousands of federal employees faced potential job losses. While his core Republican support initially remained strong, the broader public reaction was overwhelmingly negative.
However, even presidents facing challenging circumstances have navigated similar terrain. At a comparable point in his first term, Joe Biden faced a 41% approval rating, grappling with voter concerns about rising inflation and economic uncertainty.
Barack Obama also experienced a dip in approval after his re-election in 2013, falling from 52% in January to 41% later that year. These fluctuations are not uncommon, demonstrating the inherent volatility of public opinion.
Yet, the lowest approval rating in modern presidential history belongs to Richard Nixon, who plummeted to just 24% amidst the Watergate scandal. Following his impeachment, a staggering 66% of Americans disapproved of his presidency, a cautionary tale of lost trust and political fallout.
