Donald Trump’s second term began with historic unpopularity, despite his 2024 election win. Just days after his inauguration on January 20, 2025, it became clear that his presidency was facing significant challenges, setting the stage for a contentious term.
A Gallup poll revealed that Trump’s approval rating stands at just 47%, the lowest for any elected president at the start of their term. This is comparable to his first term, when he also had low approval ratings, defying the typical “honeymoon period” that other presidents experience.
Trump’s approval numbers are well below those of past presidents like John F. Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, and Barack Obama, who had much higher initial ratings. His current approval is accompanied by a rising disapproval rate of 48%, further signaling a rough start to his second term.
With these historic low ratings, Trump’s presidency faces an uphill battle for public support, a significant departure from typical presidential trends.
