WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Donald Trump approaches the 100-day mark of his second presidency, a new CNN poll reveals his approval rating has fallen to 41%, the lowest for any newly inaugurated U.S. president in at least seven decades. The survey, conducted by SSRS, indicates growing dissatisfaction across key demographics and issues, underscoring the challenges facing Trump’s administration early in its term.
Declining Approval Across the Board
Trump’s overall approval has dropped by 4 points since March and 7 points since late February, with only 22% of Americans strongly approving of his job performance-an all-time low in his political career. Conversely, 45% strongly disapprove, highlighting a polarized electorate.
Women and Hispanic Americans have notably pulled back their support, with approval ratings falling 7 points each to 36% and 28%, respectively. Among independents, approval has sunk to 31%, matching the lowest point Trump reached during his first term in January 2021. Partisan divides remain stark: 86% of Republicans approve of Trump’s presidency, while 93% of Democrats disapprove.
Economic Management Under Scrutiny
The poll shows Trump struggling to convince the public on economic issues. His approval on handling inflation dropped 9 points to 35%, and approval of his tariff policies declined 4 points to the same figure. Overall confidence in his economic management stands at a career low of 39%, with only 52% expressing confidence in his ability to navigate the economy-a 13-point drop since December.
A 55-year-old independent voter from Virginia expressed disappointment, saying, “I didn’t want to give him the benefit of the doubt, thinking he could help the economy, and… further disappointment.”
Federal Government and Leadership Concerns
Approval of Trump’s management of the federal government has fallen to 42%, down 6 points since March. Confidence in his ability to appoint qualified individuals to key positions dropped 8 points to 46%. Only 43% view his actions as a necessary overhaul of Washington, while a majority of 57% feel his approach is unnecessarily risking the country’s stability.
Democratic Representative Derek Steinz of Wisconsin voiced concerns about Trump’s disregard for governmental norms, warning that “this has become more alarming now due to the absence of sufficient checks.”
Foreign Policy and Immigration
Trump’s foreign policy, including his softer stance toward Russia amid the Ukraine conflict and cuts to foreign aid, faces majority disapproval: 39% approve while 60% disapprove. Confidence in his foreign affairs capabilities has declined from 55% pre-inauguration to 50%.
Immigration, once a strong area for Trump, has seen approval slip to 45%, a 6-point decrease, with confidence in his handling of immigration issues dropping from 60% to 53%.
Mixed Ratings on Social Issues
The president received a rare positive rating on gender identity and transgender issues, with 51% approval, including support from independents and 16% of Democrats. Maryland mother and Trump supporter Lisa Munson praised his stance on defining gender as binary.
However, Trump’s efforts to influence arts, culture, and American history-such as his attempts to control the Kennedy Center and alter Smithsonian exhibits-are widely unpopular, with 64% opposing these moves.
Vice President JD Vance Shares Low Approval
Vice President JD Vance holds a similar 41% approval rating, with only 34% viewing him favorably. Public sentiment toward both men remains largely unfavorable.
Public Confidence and Leadership
Overall confidence in Trump’s responsible use of presidential power has dropped to 46%, an 8-point decline, and only half of Americans believe he provides genuine leadership, down 9 points since December.
Trump’s frequent use of executive orders has drawn criticism, even from supporters like George Mastrodonato, a semi-retired lawyer from New Mexico, who said, “He goes overboard on these executive orders, which is why many get struck down by courts.”
Legacy and Campaign Promises
Despite the challenges, over half of Americans believe Trump’s second term will bring lasting changes, though 36% think any changes will fade after he leaves office. Public opinion is split on whether he is fulfilling campaign promises, with 48% saying yes and 51% saying no.
Mastrodonato remains supportive, stating, “He’s what he said he would be. Some methods I might approach differently, but he’s Donald Trump.”
Poll Methodology
The CNN poll surveyed 1,724 adults nationwide using a combination of online and telephone interviews. The sample was drawn from a probability online panel and a registration-based sample, with a margin of error of ±2.9 percentage points.
Sources:
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CNN Politics. (2025). Trump’s approval rating at 100 days lowest in at least 70 years.
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SSRS Polling Data.