President Donald Trump’s approval rating dropped to a new second-term low of 37 percent according to a Quinnipiac University poll. The survey shows 55 percent of voters disapprove of his job performance.
This marks a significant decline from July’s numbers. Last month, 40 percent approved while 54 percent disapproved. The latest figures represent Trump’s lowest approval since January 2021, when his net approval first dipped below zero.
The five-day poll, conducted August 21–25, surveyed 1,220 self-identified registered voters nationwide and carries a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points.
Trump’s net approval rating sits at negative 18 points, a 21-point shift since he took office in January 2021. At that time, 46 percent approved and 43 percent disapproved.
The poll shows deep partisan divisions remain. Among Republicans, 84 percent approve of Trump’s performance while 9 percent disapprove. This compares to 90 percent Republican approval in July.
Democrats overwhelmingly reject Trump’s leadership. Currently, 98 percent disapprove compared to 95 percent last month.
Independent voters lean negative. Fifty-eight percent disapprove while 31 percent approve. These numbers barely changed from July, when 59 percent disapproved and 33 percent approved.
Multiple polling organizations confirm Trump’s declining popularity. Gallup recorded his approval at 37 percent in July, matching his second-term low. This approaches his all-time worst rating of 34 percent from January 2021.
The president struggles across key policy areas. On the economy, only 39 percent approve while 57 percent disapprove. His handling of foreign policy earns 40 percent approval and 56 percent disapproval.
Crime policy shows 42 percent approval versus 54 percent disapproval. Trade policy receives 38 percent approval and 56 percent disapproval.
Trump’s lowest ratings involve the Israel-Hamas conflict, with just 34 percent approving his handling while 53 percent disapprove. Ukraine peace talks earn 40 percent approval and 52 percent disapproval.
Analysts point to several factors behind the declining numbers. Economic concerns top the list. Inflation remained at 2.7 percent in both June and July despite Trump’s campaign promise to “end inflation on Day One.”
Job growth slowed dramatically in July, with only 173,000 jobs added compared to 147,000 in June, falling short of expectations according to Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Trump’s signature legislative achievement, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, draws mixed reactions. Signed on July 4, 2025, the law extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and increases defense spending but cuts Medicaid by 12 percent and reduces food assistance programs.
Immigration enforcement expanded significantly under the law. ICE funding is slated to rise from $10 billion to over $100 billion by 2029, while family detention and mass deportation efforts accelerate.
Public opinion on immigration policies remains divided. While Trump maintains stronger approval on border issues, support has declined since February, with only 30 percent of Americans favoring reduced immigration levels according to Gallup.
The president’s favorability rating also dropped. Current polls show 41 percent view Trump favorably, down from 48 percent in January. Republican support remains near 93 percent while Democratic favorability sits at just 4 percent.
Independent voters shifted significantly. Their favorable view of Trump fell from 47 percent in January to 34 percent currently, mirroring broader approval trends.
Economic pressures weigh heavily on public sentiment. A Verasight survey found one-third of Americans believe their financial situation worsened over the past year, with most blaming Trump’s policies.
Tariff policies face particular criticism. While 36 percent support new import taxes, 56 percent oppose them, rejecting higher prices for job protection by a 21-point margin.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates additional political challenges. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it will increase the deficit by $2.8 trillion by 2034 and cause about 10.9 million Americans to lose health insurance coverage.
Wealthy Americans benefit most from the legislation, with the top 10 percent of earners projected to see incomes rise 2.7 percent by 2034 while the bottom 10 percent face income declines of 3.1 percent.
Political implications extend beyond approval ratings. Historical patterns show midterm elections typically favor the opposition party. Democrats aim to regain control of both House and Senate in 2026.
Recent Democratic victories in traditionally Republican areas signal potential trouble for the GOP, suggesting Trump’s low approval may hurt other Republican candidates.
Foreign policy challenges add to Trump’s difficulties. His efforts to broker peace in Ukraine and Gaza have not met public expectations, with critics arguing he is being outmaneuvered by leaders like Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu.
The president’s deployment of National Guard troops to Washington D C. faces opposition, with voters opposing the move 56 to 41 percent according to Quinnipiac.
Trump’s response to polling numbers remains defiant. On Truth Social, he claimed to have “the best poll numbers ever” despite multiple surveys showing otherwise.
Columbia University Professor Robert Shapiro notes Trump retains strong base support but says broader appeal continues to erode.
Looking ahead, Trump faces mounting political pressure as 2026 midterms approach while his approval ratings hover near historic lows. Economic challenges and policy controversies show few signs of immediate resolution.
