As President Donald Trump begins his second term in office, the political landscape remains polarized. Recent Gallup polling shows that only 47% of Americans approved of Trump in January 2025, while 48% disapproved. These numbers reflect a widening gap in public sentiment.
Notable Events and Policies
Trump’s administration has faced multiple challenges, notably his controversial capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3. Simultaneously, one in three Venezuelans approve of Maduro’s removal, highlighting the complexities of international relations.
In December 2024, Trump’s approval ratings dwindled further to 36%, with 59% disapproving. This decline is attributed in part to stringent immigration policies, deployment of National Guard troops in U.S. cities, and tariffs that impacted national pricing.
Comparison of Approval Ratings
USA TODAY analyzed Trump’s approval ratings against past presidents. While presidents typically experience a “honeymoon” phase, Trump’s initial years rank lower than those of recent leaders. For context, President George W. Bush enjoyed higher ratings after the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Economic Indicators During Trump’s Administration
- Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate climbed to 4.6% in November 2024, marking the highest point since 2021. This rise is linked to challenges in job hunting and the fallout from 317,000 federal job cuts.
- National Debt: The national debt surged from $36.2 trillion to $38.4 trillion during Trump’s first year, representing a $2.2 trillion increase—a rise of nearly 6%. Experts warn that escalating debt may hinder economic growth and elevate interest rates.
- Executive Orders: Trump signed 225 executive orders in 2025, a historic number in the past 56 years. Approximately 59 of these orders pertained to foreign policy, while others addressed tariffs, immigration, and the federal workforce.
Government Shutdowns
During his time in office, Trump oversaw two significant government shutdowns. The 43-day shutdown is recorded as the longest in U.S. history, while a 35-day shutdown occurred in 2019. These interruptions are believed to have adversely affected economic growth, despite some positive trends noted during the third quarter.
This analysis offers vital insight into Trump’s second term as he navigates public opinion and economic challenges while implementing his controversial policies.
