President Donald Trump has received a new approval rating just over a year into his second term, providing fresh insight into how Americans view his leadership and policy priorities. Recent polling conducted by Fox News has asked voters to evaluate Trump’s performance across multiple domains, including immigration, foreign policy, the economy, and trade tariffs. The results reveal a deeply divided electorate, with opinions sharply split along partisan lines. While Trump continues to maintain a devoted base of supporters, a majority of Americans express dissatisfaction with his priorities and approach, suggesting that his presidency remains as polarizing as ever.
According to the Fox News poll, Trump’s disapproval ratings have fluctuated between 51 and 58 percent since March 2025, and the most recent survey shows that 57 percent of voters disapprove of the job he is doing. The survey also indicates that nearly two-thirds of respondents believe the president is focused on the wrong issues, highlighting a disconnect between his administration’s agenda and public concerns. Among the areas examined, immigration enforcement was particularly contentious: roughly 60 percent of voters said they disapproved of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while 42 percent supported the agency’s activities. This underscores the ongoing debate over border control and the balance between national security and civil liberties.
The poll further reveals significant partisan polarization. Among Democrats surveyed, 97 percent disapproved of Trump’s performance, reflecting deep opposition to his policies and leadership style. In contrast, Republican voters overwhelmingly supported the president, giving him an 87 percent approval rating. On specific policy issues, Trump saw mixed results. While most Americans expressed concern about the cost of living—cited by 50 percent as the most important issue facing the country—other priorities included government spending (18 percent), jobs (10 percent), income equality (9 percent), tariffs (8 percent), and taxes (4 percent). Despite widespread criticism on many fronts, Trump received a relative boost in approval for his handling of border security, with 52 percent of respondents expressing support, compared to 48 percent who disapproved.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle commented on the polling results, noting that, according to RealClearPolitics averages, Trump’s approval rating of 43.3 percent surpasses those of former presidents at a similar point in their second terms. Barack Obama had an approval rating of 42.5 percent, while George W. Bush stood at 38.7 percent, despite experiencing less hostile media coverage than Trump. The president also highlighted these numbers on social media, claiming them to be “the highest poll numbers I have ever received” and asserting that Americans favor “a strong and powerful country, with the best economy, EVER!” These statements illustrate how Trump and his team are using selective polling data to bolster public perception of his performance.
Separate polling highlights public reaction to Trump’s recent military decisions, particularly strikes on Iran. The Ipsos/Reuters survey found that only 27 percent of Americans supported the attacks, while 43 percent disapproved, and 29 percent were uncertain. Once again, responses split sharply along party lines, with three-quarters of Democrats opposing the strikes and 55 percent of Republicans approving. The conflict began after US and Israeli missiles struck Iranian targets in what was initially described as a “preemptive strike,” reportedly killing Iran’s religious leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and up to 40 other high-ranking officials. The initial strike also resulted in the deaths of three US service members and injuries to five others, highlighting the human cost of these military decisions. Legal experts, including retired Air Force Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham, have questioned the strikes’ legality, noting potential violations of both international law and the U.S. Constitution.
Public concern over military actions extends beyond Iran. Trump’s second term has included strikes in Syria, Nigeria, and Venezuela, leading 56 percent of respondents to believe he has been too quick to use military force. This sentiment was particularly pronounced among Democrats (87 percent) but also present among Republicans (23 percent). Even within his base, there are signs of hesitation: 42 percent of Republican supporters indicated they might withdraw support if US troops were killed or injured in the Middle East as a result of continued military engagement. Congress may face challenging decisions regarding presidential war powers, as lawmakers debate whether to intervene to limit Trump’s authority. Although any attempt to curb his powers would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override a presidential veto—a highly unlikely outcome given Republican control—the discussions underscore the tension between executive authority and legislative oversight during international conflicts.
Overall, the polling paints a picture of a president whose core supporters remain loyal, while the broader public remains sharply divided on both domestic and foreign policy issues. Trump’s approval ratings, though slightly higher than some predecessors at this stage, reflect ongoing controversy and widespread disapproval among key segments of the electorate. Public opinion on the Iran conflict and other military actions illustrates that, despite strong backing from his base, Trump faces persistent scrutiny and skepticism regarding his decision-making. As debates over economic priorities, immigration, and foreign policy continue, the administration will need to navigate a complex political landscape where public sentiment is fragmented, and partisan divisions are increasingly entrenched.