Donald Trump has concluded his first year back in the presidency with a job approval rating of just 36%, equalling the worst performance for any US leader in their inaugural year over the past half-century.
Historic Low Matches Previous Trump Record
According to the latest data from Gallup, the former president's standing with the American public has plummeted to a significant low. This 36% rating is the joint-worst recorded for any US president at the end of their first year in the last 50 years. Remarkably, the only other president to score this poorly in modern times is Trump himself, who posted an identical 36% approval rating in December 2017 during his first term.
Trump's approval began the year at a relatively higher 50% in January. However, it experienced a steep and sustained decline following the April unveiling of his contentious 'Liberation Day' programme. This policy initiative centred on imposing reciprocal tariffs, a move that appears to have alienated a substantial portion of the electorate.
Widespread Disapproval Across Key Policy Areas
An analysis of refined polling averages from Silver Bulletin reveals a comprehensive picture of public dissatisfaction. The data shows that Trump is scoring negatively in all four of the major performance areas tracked: immigration, trade, the economy, and inflation. This across-the-board disapproval suggests deep-seated concerns about the administration's direction on core issues.
Further compounding the administration's challenges, a separate survey conducted by Quinnipiac University uncovered that a majority of voters believe Trump has overreached. The poll found that 54% of American voters feel the president has overstepped in his use of presidential power during this first year back in office.
Implications and Political Fallout
This record-low approval rating so early in a presidential term presents a formidable political obstacle. It signals a profound lack of confidence among the American public and could embolden political opponents. The data underscores the polarising effect of policies like the 'Liberation Day' tariffs and raises questions about the administration's strategy for the remainder of its term.
The convergence of poor ratings across critical policy domains, coupled with public concern over executive power, paints a stark picture for the White House as it moves into its second year. How the administration responds to this clear electoral warning will likely define the trajectory of the coming political season.
