What Americans Really Think About Donald Trump: New Polls Reveal Deep Divides and Growing Discontent

 

What Americans Really Think About Donald Trump: New Polls Reveal Deep Divides and Growing Discontent

As the second term of Donald Trump continues, a wave of recent polls reveals a sharply divided nation — with growing disapproval, persistent partisan polarization, and major concerns about how the country is being run.

📉 Approval Ratings: Sliding Toward Low Tide

• According to a recent survey by CNN/SSRS, only 37% of Americans currently approve of Trump’s job performance — his approval has hit one of its lowest points in this term. Meanwhile, 63% disapprove. (The Guardian)

• Another national poll (Emerson College, November 2025) found 41% approve, 49% disapprove — a drop from prior months. (Emerson Polling)

• A broader 2025 poll by an organization measuring long‑term approval indicates 56% of Americans disapprove, with only 42% approving. (PRRI)

Together, these polls underline a clear downward trend: support for Trump is far from stable, and for many Americans sentiment is negative.

⚖️ Policy Performance: Mixed to Negative Views

Public opinion on many of Trump’s major policy areas is also broadly critical:

• On the economy, inflation, and cost-of-living issues — problems many Americans cite as pressing — approval is low. For example, fewer than half of adults say they approve of how Trump handles the economy, government spending, immigration, and related priorities. (The Associated Press)

• On immigration — one of Trump’s signature issues — support is sharply divided along partisan lines. One poll finds about 60% of respondents support deporting unauthorized immigrants, but independents are divided and Democrats overwhelmingly oppose it. (law.marquette.edu)

• On foreign policy, trade and tariffs, and other executive‑level decisions, many Americans express skepticism about the value and consequences. (law.marquette.edu)

These mixed-to-negative evaluations reflect broader dissatisfaction with how Trump’s administration is handling critical national issues.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Partisan and Demographic Splits: A Nation Divided

As in the past, support for Trump remains deeply polarized — with Republicans broadly supportive, and Democrats nearly uniformly opposed. Independents tend to swing more negative than positive. (law.marquette.edu)

For example:

• In the July 2025 poll by a national survey firm, 86% of Republicans approved of Trump’s job performance, compared with only 7% of Democrats. Independents hovered around 38% approval. (law.marquette.edu)

• On key issues such as deportations, oil and gas expansion, and recognition of binary gender rules, support breaks heavily along political and ideological lines. (law.marquette.edu)

This polarization means that much of what Americans “really think” about Trump depends heavily on their political identity.

📊 Public Mood: Discontent, Anxiety and Uncertainty

Underlying the polling numbers is a broader mood of discontent and unease across many Americans. The most recent surveys suggest:

• A majority say the country is on the “wrong track.” For example, a late‑October 2025 poll found that 65% believe the country is heading in the wrong direction. (uml.edu)

• Widespread concern around economic issues: inflation, cost of living, tariffs, and rising prices weigh heavily on public sentiment. (The Associated Press)

• Skepticism about strong executive power: many Americans believe that Trump has “gone too far” in using presidential authority — a concern voiced by Democrats, independents, and even some Republicans. (The Guardian)

Together, these underscore an electorate that is not only divided — but also anxious, uncertain, and increasingly critical of leadership.

✅ What Trump Still Has Going for Him: A Loyal Base & Partial Support

Despite the widespread discontent, Trump retains a core base of support:

• Among Republicans and loyal supporters, approval remains high — often 80 % or more in polls. (law.marquette.edu)

• On some of his policy initiatives — especially those aligned with conservative priorities (e.g., immigration enforcement, border security, energy production) — there remains measurable backing, at least within segments of the population. (law.marquette.edu)

In other words: while overall popularity is slipping, Trump is still a powerful political figure — especially within his own party.

📅 What This Means for the Coming Months

• Given the drop in approval and rising public dissatisfaction, the political balance in upcoming elections (Congressional, midterms) could shift — especially if moderate and independent voters grow more disillusioned.

• Issues like the economy, inflation, cost of living, immigration, and social policy are likely to dominate public debate — and could shape support or opposition to Trump and his allies.

• The deep partisan divide suggests that compromise and national consensus may be hard to achieve — which may prolong political polarization and social tensions.

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📌 Conclusion

Recent polling data paints a clear picture: many Americans are dissatisfied with how the country is being governed under Donald Trump. Approval ratings have fallen, economic anxieties are high, and public trust is shaky — but partisanship remains a powerful force, keeping Trump’s core base firmly behind him.