Trump's Approval Ratings: A Consistent Challenge Amidst Economic Struggles

Thu Jan 15 2026 16:02:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Despite an eventful second term, President Trump's approval ratings hover around 40%, reflecting ongoing challenges with the economy and immigration policies.

An recent AP-NORC poll reveals that President Trump's approval rating remains steady at about 40%, with considerable concerns about the economy and immigration policies. The poll highlights that nearly 6 in 10 Americans view his approach to the economy negatively, while immigration, once a strong suit, has seen declining support. Trump's increasing focus on foreign policy has also met with disapproval from about 60% of the population. These findings underline the complex relationship between presidential actions and public perception, particularly amid pressing domestic issues.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s second term has been eventful, yet his approval ratings remain static at around 40%. This indicates a persistent challenge, as many Americans express skepticism over his handling of critical issues like the economy and immigration.

The AP-NORC poll from January reveals subtle vulnerabilities for the president. With only 37% approval on economic matters, Trump faces increasing scrutiny, especially as the public concern over rising living costs grows.

Trump entered his second term with immigration as a key focus, yet approval in this area has dropped to 38%, a significant decrease from 49% previously. These concerns reflect a broader sentiment that many believe he is focusing on the wrong issues.

As Trump shifts attention toward foreign policy, his disapproval ratings also escalate, with 60% of Americans indicating dissatisfaction with his approach. Overall, the data shows that even as Trump attempts to pivot his focus, public perception balances on a precarious edge shaped by domestic realities.