The Stark Contrast in Donald Trump’s Approval Ratings Across His Two Terms

Donald Trump’s presidency has been one of the most polarizing and closely scrutinized chapters in recent American history. From the moment he first took office in 2017 to his surprising return for a second term in 2025, public opinion about his leadership has fluctuated dramatically. When comparing his approval ratings across these two periods, a massive difference emerges—not just in numbers but in the factors shaping those ratings. This article explores that contrast, what it reveals about American politics, and what it might mean moving forward.

First Term: A Divisive Presidency From Day One

When Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States in January 2017, he entered office with historically low approval ratings. Gallup recorded an approval rating of roughly 45% on inauguration day, which, at that time, was one of the lowest ever recorded for a new president. Unlike previous administrations that saw a “honeymoon period” where public support was often higher at the outset, Trump faced immediate skepticism and strong opposition.

Over the course of his first term, Trump’s approval ratings hovered stubbornly below 50%, often averaging around 41%. This was an era defined by fierce partisan polarization. Supporters praised his bold, unconventional style and promise to “drain the swamp,” while opponents condemned his rhetoric, policy decisions, and approach to governance.

Several key issues drove this polarization:

Immigration: Policies like the travel ban on predominantly Muslim countries and aggressive stances on undocumented immigrants sparked intense debates and protests.
Economic Performance: Although the stock market performed well for much of his first term and unemployment reached historic lows pre-pandemic, perceptions of economic inequality persisted.
Scandals and Investigations: The ongoing investigations into election interference and various controversies overshadowed much of his administration’s messaging.

Internationally, Trump’s approval as a world leader also dipped. Polls showed the global community was wary of his “America First” policy, with approval ratings in allied countries falling significantly.

Second Term: A Subtle Shift Amid New Challenges

Fast forward to January 2025, when Trump assumed the presidency for a second term after a highly contentious election. Unlike many incumbent or returning presidents who start off with solid approval numbers, Trump’s second-term inauguration saw a slightly higher rating of around 47%. While this increase might seem modest, it reflects some important underlying shifts in his support base.

Notably, the Republican Party had consolidated more firmly behind him. Demographic groups such as young adults, men, and certain minority communities showed marginally increased support compared to the first term. The political landscape was also different: America was navigating post-pandemic recovery, inflation concerns, and fresh debates over immigration and border security.

However, this uptick in approval was short-lived. By mid-2025, Trump’s ratings dropped again to the high 30s, reflecting new controversies:

Immigration Enforcement: Aggressive immigration raids and deportation efforts reignited national protests and sparked widespread criticism from civil rights groups and Democrats.
Social Unrest: Clashes between law enforcement and protesters in cities like Los Angeles created a media storm that painted the administration as heavy-handed.
Economic Pressures: Inflation and concerns about cost of living began to weigh on public sentiment.

The volatility of these events demonstrated that while Trump retained a strong loyal base, his overall public approval remained fragile and susceptible to current events.

What Explains the Differences?

The contrast between Trump’s first and second-term approval ratings can be understood through several lenses:

1. Partisan Dynamics

Trump’s presidency has been defined by extreme party loyalty. His approval ratings have consistently shown a sharp divide: Republicans overwhelmingly approve, while Democrats overwhelmingly disapprove. During his second term, the Republican base remained energized and more unified, slightly boosting his starting approval rating. Yet, the opposition remained just as resolute, ensuring a persistent polarization.

2. Changing Political Context

The context in which each term began was vastly different. In 2017, Trump was an outsider new to the political establishment, and many Americans were uncertain or skeptical. By 2025, Trump was a known political figure with a clear track record—both positive and negative. The novelty had worn off, and voters were responding to his policies and actions more than his persona.

3. Policy Impact and Public Reaction

Policies that were divisive in the first term, especially around immigration and trade, continued to dominate public discourse in the second term but with new intensity. The second term also saw an escalation in enforcement measures that triggered protests and negative press coverage, dampening approval.

4. Media Environment

The media landscape itself changed between the two terms. Social media platforms and cable news outlets became even more fragmented, amplifying partisan echo chambers. Public opinion was influenced not just by events but by how they were portrayed and debated across different media.

5. Economic Conditions

The economy plays a huge role in presidential approval. Trump’s first term benefitted initially from a strong job market and stock market growth. By his second term, economic challenges such as inflation and rising costs of living weighed more heavily on voters’ minds, contributing to approval volatility.

Implications for the Future

Understanding these approval rating shifts is crucial for grasping the broader political landscape in the United States. Trump’s presidency highlighted how deeply divided the nation is along ideological lines. His fluctuating approval ratings are not simply reflections of his policies or personality but of a country grappling with identity, values, and vision.

Moving forward, several questions remain:

Can Trump expand his appeal beyond the core Republican base? His ability to attract independents and moderates will be key if he hopes to maintain or grow his approval ratings.
How will opposition forces organize? Democratic and progressive movements remain motivated to challenge Trump’s policies and rhetoric aggressively.
What role will economic conditions play? If inflation stabilizes and employment remains strong, Trump could see approval stabilize or rise. Conversely, economic downturns could accelerate declines.
How will global events influence perception? Foreign policy successes or failures, especially related to trade and diplomacy, could shift public and international opinion.

Conclusion

The massive difference in Donald Trump’s approval ratings between his two terms is a mirror reflecting not only the man and his policies but also the state of American democracy. The deep partisan divide, evolving political context, and societal challenges all contribute to a complex and dynamic approval landscape. Whether his second term will solidify or fracture further remains to be seen, but the stark contrast with his first term underscores how much the political and social fabric of the nation continues to evolve.