Donald Trump’s Approval Rating Is Underwater on Every Issue

In the complex and often polarizing landscape of American politics, few figures have been as divisive as former President Donald Trump. Since his emergence on the national stage, Trump has maintained a fiercely loyal base but also struggled with persistently low approval ratings among the broader American public. As of mid-2025, recent polling data reveals a sobering trend: Donald Trump’s approval ratings are underwater—meaning more Americans disapprove than approve—on every major issue that currently defines the political discourse.

The Broad Scope of Unpopularity

Approval ratings are a crucial barometer in politics. They not only reflect how a leader’s policies and rhetoric resonate with the public but also influence the political capital and leverage they wield. For Donald Trump, these metrics paint a stark picture. Unlike some predecessors who maintained pockets of strong approval in key policy areas even amid controversy, Trump is facing disapproval across the board—covering the economy, foreign policy, immigration, health care, the environment, and more.

The data comes from a combination of national polls conducted by respected agencies such as Gallup, Pew Research Center, and YouGov. Across these surveys, a consistent theme emerges: when asked about Trump’s handling of specific issues, Americans tend to rate him unfavorably.

Economic Policies: Confidence Wanes

Traditionally, the economy is a cornerstone of presidential approval. Trump, whose tenure was marked by a booming stock market and low unemployment rates before the COVID-19 pandemic, initially enjoyed strong economic approval. However, recent polls show his economic approval rating has plunged, with a majority of Americans expressing skepticism about his economic agenda’s effectiveness today.

Critics cite rising inflation, national debt concerns, and lingering supply chain disruptions as reasons behind this erosion of confidence. Supporters argue that many economic issues stem from external global factors beyond Trump’s control. Regardless, the public perception remains that his economic plans have failed to address key financial challenges facing everyday Americans.

Foreign Policy: Isolation or Instability?

Foreign policy approval ratings for Trump have been similarly disappointing. During his presidency, Trump’s “America First” doctrine redefined the U.S. approach to international relations, often breaking with traditional alliances and diplomatic norms. This stance garnered some praise from voters frustrated with longstanding foreign entanglements but alienated others who valued global cooperation.

In recent surveys, the majority of respondents disapprove of Trump’s handling of major foreign policy issues, including relations with China, Russia, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Many perceive his approach as either too isolationist or unpredictably aggressive, raising concerns about America’s standing on the global stage and its ability to manage complex international challenges.

Immigration: Divisive and Disapproved

Immigration has long been one of Trump’s signature issues. His hardline policies—such as the border wall initiative, travel bans targeting certain countries, and aggressive immigration enforcement—were core elements of his presidential brand. While these policies energized his base, they have consistently drawn criticism and legal challenges.

Polling reveals that a majority of Americans now disapprove of how Trump handles immigration issues. This shift reflects broader demographic changes, evolving public attitudes, and the growing recognition of immigration’s complexity. Many voters view the former president’s policies as overly harsh and not reflective of America’s values as a nation of immigrants.

Health Care: No Clear Solutions

Health care remains one of the most pressing issues for American voters, and Trump’s approval on this front is similarly underwater. Despite multiple attempts to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA) during his presidency, Trump failed to provide a widely accepted alternative plan. This left many voters uncertain about his commitment to improving health care access and affordability.

Recent polling shows most Americans disapprove of Trump’s health care policies, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed significant gaps in the nation’s health system. Concerns over insurance coverage, drug prices, and health equity continue to challenge his approval ratings in this domain.

Environment and Climate Change: A Losing Battle

Trump’s stance on environmental issues has been one of his most controversial. His administration rolled back numerous environmental regulations and withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, moves that were highly unpopular among younger voters and environmentally conscious Americans.

Currently, polls show overwhelming disapproval of Trump’s environmental policies. The growing urgency of climate change and increasing frequency of natural disasters have heightened public demand for strong action, making Trump’s previous deregulatory and climate-skeptical positions even less popular.

Social Issues: Polarization and Declining Support

On social issues—such as racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality—Trump’s approval ratings are also underwater. His rhetoric and policies often intensified cultural divisions, appealing to a segment of voters while alienating a majority. The rise of movements like Black Lives Matter and increased awareness of systemic inequalities have further diminished public support for Trump’s approaches to these issues.

Recent polls highlight that a majority of Americans disapprove of how Trump addresses social justice and equality concerns, viewing his actions as divisive rather than unifying.

The Role of Media and Public Perception

Trump’s relationship with the media is infamously contentious, with frequent accusations of “fake news” and biased reporting. While this adversarial stance has helped him maintain a core group of loyal followers, it also contributes to a fragmented and polarized media landscape. Many Americans receive information through sources that either strongly support or vehemently oppose Trump, reinforcing existing biases and deepening disapproval among the wider population.

Moreover, social media platforms have amplified both his message and the criticism against him, ensuring that public opinion remains highly reactive and often sharply negative.

The Political Implications

What do these underwater approval ratings mean for Trump’s political future? Despite widespread disapproval, Trump’s base remains highly mobilized and enthusiastic. This creates a paradoxical scenario where his overall popularity is low, but his influence within the Republican Party remains strong.

However, for Trump to regain broader public support, he would need to address these key issues more effectively and shift public perception. The current polling trends suggest that, as of now, he faces an uphill battle in appealing beyond his core supporters.

Conclusion: A Leader at Crossroads

Donald Trump’s underwater approval ratings across every major issue underscore a profound disconnect between his policies and the majority of Americans’ preferences. From the economy to immigration, foreign policy to climate change, and social issues to health care, Trump’s approaches currently fail to win the majority’s favor.

This broad disapproval poses significant challenges for his political ambitions and legacy. Whether he can recalibrate his positions or rhetoric to resonate with a wider audience remains to be seen. For now, the numbers paint a clear picture: Donald Trump is struggling to gain majority approval on the issues that matter most to the American people.