Trump’s Approval Takes A Dip
President Trump’s approval rating has seen a slight dip since the start of his second term, reflecting growing concerns among voters, particularly regarding the economy. A new poll from Emerson College, released just after the first 50 days of Trump’s second term, shows that 47 percent of voters approve of his performance, while 45 percent disapprove. This marks a small decrease from his 49 percent approval and 41 percent disapproval ratings at the beginning of his second term.
A major factor impacting Trump’s approval is how voters perceive the state of the economy under his leadership. The poll indicates that 48 percent of voters disapprove of how Trump is handling the economy, while only 37 percent approve. This sentiment appears to be dragging down his overall approval ratings. Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted that while Trump’s support remains steady, his real challenge will be convincing voters that their financial future is improving.
Despite concerns over the economy, Trump continues to hold strong approval on certain issues, particularly immigration. The poll reveals that 48 percent of voters approve of his handling of immigration, compared to 40 percent who disapprove. However, Trump’s approval on issues such as healthcare and cryptocurrency remains weak, with net approval ratings that are far from favorable.
Economic concerns have been compounded by recent stock market fluctuations, partly due to Trump’s shifting stance on tariffs with Canada, Mexico, and China. Stocks saw a sharp decline, including a 890-point drop in the Dow Jones on Monday, following Trump’s ambiguous comments about the possibility of a recession. While Trump has insisted that a “period of transition” is necessary for fair treatment of the U.S. in global trade, many voters are skeptical about the long-term impact of his tariff policies.
The poll also reveals that a majority of voters, 53 percent, believe the tariffs will harm economic growth. Additionally, 46 percent feel Trump’s policies are making the economy worse, compared to just 28 percent who think they are improving it. Despite these concerns, the country remains divided on Trump’s overall performance, with 51 percent of voters considering his second term a success, while 49 percent view it as a failure.
This poll, conducted March 8-10 among 1,000 registered voters, has a margin of error of 3 percentage points. As Trump presses forward with his policies, it’s clear that while his base remains strong, economic uncertainty may prove to be a key factor in shaping the outcome of his second term.
