Trump’s popularity plummets: a stark assessment after 100 days in office

Tuesday 29 April 2025 - 08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Trump’s popularity plummets: a stark assessment after 100 days in office

In a striking decline, Donald Trump’s approval ratings have reached unprecedented lows just 100 days into his second term as President of the United States. A recent poll reveals that only 39 percent of Americans approve of his presidency, marking the lowest score for any president at this milestone in over 80 years.

The significance of the first 100 days is often viewed as a barometer for a president's early effectiveness. For Trump, whose tenure has been characterized by radical policies and a combative communication style, these initial days have proven disastrous. The decline in his popularity extends even into areas where he previously garnered support, such as the economy.

According to a joint survey conducted by Washington Post, ABC News, and Ipsos, a staggering 55 percent of respondents disapprove of Trump's presidential conduct. This figure sets a troubling precedent, eclipsing his previous low of 42 percent at the same point in his first term.

The poll suggests that the most alarming aspect for Trump may be the negative perceptions surrounding his economic policies. ABC News notes that 72 percent of Americans believe his economic strategies will lead to a recession in the near future, a sentiment echoed by 51 percent of Republican respondents.

Divided opinions on social issues

However, negative evaluations of Trump extend beyond economic concerns. The survey indicates that 62 percent of participants feel that Trump does not uphold the rule of law, with more than half asserting that he fails to protect the rights of American citizens.

Interestingly, immigration policy remains one of the more approved aspects of Trump's second term, with a 46 percent approval rating, despite 53 percent opposing it. Moreover, only 51 percent disapprove of the deportation of illegal immigrants suspected of gang affiliations to El Salvador. Overall, 34 percent of respondents support his illegal immigration deportation policies, while 48 percent believe they are excessively harsh, and 16 percent deem them too lenient.

Conversely, 77 percent of Americans disapprove of cuts to medical research funding, and 66 percent oppose the closure of the Department of Education. Additionally, 70 percent reject federal intervention in the operations of private universities, particularly criticizing Trump's attacks on Harvard University.

From an environmental perspective, 61 percent of Americans disapprove of the relaxation of environmental standards for oil and gas drilling, compared to 37 percent who support such measures. Furthermore, 51 percent think the Trump administration has overreached in its efforts against diversity programs in government and private sectors, with only 35 percent supporting the initiatives, while 13 percent believe they could be more effective.

Support still intact among core base

Another revealing aspect of the poll is the decline in Trump’s popularity within his own voter base. Support among white voters without a college degree—a critical demographic for Trump—has dropped to 54 percent, a decrease of 10 points. The Washington Post reports that 43 percent of these voters feel the economy has worsened under Trump, with one-third indicating their financial situation has deteriorated since he took office.

Despite some Republicans disapproving of Trump’s economic management, he retains a solid backing from 83 percent of his party. Notably, only 6 percent of those who voted for Trump in the last election express regret over their choice. ABC News highlights a silver lining for Trump: the opposing party remains unpopular.

The survey also reveals that Trump continues to outperform Democrats in terms of trust regarding major national issues. 37 percent of respondents prefer Trump’s administration over the Democrats, who receive just 30 percent approval. Additionally, 69 percent feel that Democrats are out of touch with the realities faced by most Americans, compared to 60 percent for Trump.