Donald Trump has never been a stranger to controversy, and his return to the White House has been no exception. While he made history by securing a second non-consecutive term, he has now broken a presidential record that no leader would want to claim—becoming the most historically unpopular newly elected president.
Just months after his victory, Trump’s approval ratings have hit an all-time low, signaling a rough start to his second term. While past presidents have enjoyed a political “honeymoon” after taking office, Trump appears to be skipping that tradition altogether.
So, what’s driving these low approval numbers? Let’s break it down.
Trump’s Approval Ratings Hit Rock Bottom
A new Gallup poll has confirmed what many political analysts suspected—Trump’s initial job approval rating for his second term is the lowest recorded in modern presidential history.
“At 47%, President Donald Trump’s initial job approval rating for his second term is similar to the inaugural 45% reading during his first term, again placing him below all other elected presidents dating back to 1953,” said Megan Brenan, a senior editor at Gallup.
To put things into perspective, here’s how other modern U.S. presidents ranked in their first months in office:
- John F. Kennedy (1961) – 72%
- Dwight Eisenhower (1953) – 68%
- Barack Obama (2009) – 68%
- Joe Biden (2021) – 57%
- Donald Trump (2017) – 45%
Trump is now the only elected U.S. president to begin two terms with approval ratings below 50%, solidifying his place in the history books for all the wrong reasons.
Why Are Trump’s Approval Ratings So Low?
Despite winning the election, Trump’s approval ratings are suffering for several reasons:
1. A Divided Nation
Trump’s presidency has been one of the most polarizing in U.S. history. While he has a loyal base, the nation remains deeply divided over his policies, leadership style, and handling of key issues.
“Most presidents have experienced a ‘honeymoon period’ with strong job approval ratings in the initial months of their presidencies that then fade as time passes,” Gallup’s Brenan explained. “Initial evaluations of Trump differ in that Americans are much more likely to disapprove of his performance rather than have no opinion.”
Unlike past presidents, who gained favor from undecided voters early on, Trump’s disapproval numbers have always outweighed his approval ratings.
2. Controversial Policies from Day One
Since taking office, Trump has wasted no time making sweeping changes. From executive orders on tariffs and immigration to reversing policies from his predecessors, his aggressive approach has sparked intense backlash from both political opponents and international allies.
His renewed focus on tariffs, trade wars, and foreign policy shake-ups has left many Americans uneasy about the future of the economy.
3. Celebrity and Public Backlash
Trump has always been a controversial figure in Hollywood and the entertainment industry, but since his reelection, more celebrities have openly spoken out against him—and some have even left the country entirely.
Actress Eva Longoria revealed she has relocated to Spain and Mexico, telling Marie Claire:
“If he keeps his promises, it’s going to be a scary place. Most Americans aren’t so lucky. They’re going to be stuck in this dystopian country.”
Meanwhile, talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi have moved to the UK, vowing never to return to the U.S. while Trump is in power.
“They have no intention of heading back to America, particularly not while Trump remains in charge,” an anonymous source told The Wrap.
When high-profile figures make headlines for leaving the country, it only fuels the perception that Trump’s presidency is highly divisive.
Trump’s Supporters Remain Loyal—But Is It Enough?
Despite the historically low approval ratings, Trump still has a strong and unwavering base. Many of his supporters see these polls as biased media attacks, and they remain confident in his ability to turn things around.
Some of Trump’s most dedicated followers celebrate his refusal to conform to political norms, believing his policies—such as tax cuts, deregulation, and an “America First” trade policy—will ultimately benefit the country.
One supporter on social media wrote:
“The polls have been wrong before. Trump has proven time and time again that he delivers results. The media just hates him.”
However, the challenge Trump faces is expanding his approval beyond his core base. Winning an election is one thing—but maintaining support and governing effectively requires broader appeal.
Will Trump’s Approval Ratings Improve?
If history is any indicator, Trump’s numbers could change—but it won’t be easy.
Past presidents have seen approval ratings rise when they successfully passed major policies or handled crises effectively. However, Trump’s governing style and willingness to engage in controversy make it difficult to predict if he will ever enjoy the kind of broad support that past presidents have.
If he wants to turn things around, he will need to:
- Focus on unifying the country rather than deepening divisions.
- Deliver tangible economic improvements that benefit all Americans.
- Avoid unnecessary political fights that alienate moderate voters.
As it stands, Trump’s approval ratings are historically low—but in politics, things can shift quickly. Whether he rebounds or continues to set records for all the wrong reasons remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts: A Presidency Like No Other
Donald Trump has always been a political anomaly, and his presidency continues to defy expectations. While he made history by securing another term, he’s also broken records for low approval ratings and public discontent.
With major policy shifts, celebrity backlash, and a divided nation, Trump’s second term is shaping up to be just as eventful as the first. But will he be able to win over more of the American public—or will he go down in history as the most unpopular re-elected president ever?
One thing is certain: America is watching.
