Donald Trump’s second-term presidency has reached the 100-day milestone. New polls show growing concerns among voters on key issues like the economy and government reform.
Trump’s Republican base remains loyal. However, his national approval ratings are still low compared to past presidents.
Approval Ratings: Slight Gains, Ongoing Challenges
Trump’s approval is slightly higher than at this point in his first term. However, it still trails where past presidents stood after 100 days.
According to an NBC News Stay Tuned poll (April 11–20), 45% of adults approve of Trump’s job performance. Meanwhile, 55% disapprove. The margin of error was ±2.2 percentage points.
Trump enjoys strong Republican support at 88% approval. Yet independents (68% disapprove) and Democrats (93% disapprove) are overwhelmingly negative.
Older voters, white voters, and those without college degrees show more support. Younger voters, college-educated Americans, and minorities — especially Black voters — disapprove at much higher rates.
Other polls from CNBC, Fox News, and Gallup show similar results. Trump’s approval remains between 43% and 47%, while disapproval stays above 50%.
Gallup reports Trump’s 45% average approval lags far behind the 59% historical average for presidents after World War II. Joe Biden’s approval was 56% at this point in 2021.
Economic Approval Slips as Inflation Fears Grow
Trump’s economic agenda faces major skepticism. Inflation remains a top concern among voters.
A New York Times/Siena College poll shows half of registered voters believe Trump has worsened the economy. Only 21% think he has improved it.
In April, CNBC found Trump’s approval on the economy at 43%. NBC’s March survey showed a similar 44% rating.
Trump’s handling of inflation and living costs earned around 40% approval in both polls. CNBC also found that 57% of Americans fear a recession or believe it has already started.
Immigration: Still a Stronger Issue for Trump
Immigration remains one of Trump’s best-rated areas. However, recent polls show signs of weakening support.
The NBC News Stay Tuned survey found 49% approve of Trump’s handling of immigration. However, 51% disapprove.
The New York Times/Siena College poll found similar numbers, with 47% approving and 51% disapproving.
On border security specifically, Trump’s numbers are stronger. CNBC reported 53% approval for handling the southern border and 52% for deportation efforts.
However, a Fox News poll showed more division on broader immigration issues. While border security approval was high, support for immigration policy was split.
Musk, DOGE, and Federal Government Overhaul
Elon Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has become a defining part of Trump’s early second term.
Musk’s popularity has dropped sharply. An NBC News poll found 59% of adults view Musk unfavorably. A Wall Street Journal poll showed 55% of voters believe he holds too much power.
Many voters support the idea of cutting government waste. However, polls show they worry about the aggressive tactics used by Musk and DOGE.
A Fox News poll found voters split on whether DOGE’s reforms will improve efficiency. Pew Research found 59% believe Trump’s government cuts are reckless.
Other Key Issues: DEI and Foreign Policy Struggles
Trump’s efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have faced strong opposition.
The NBC News Stay Tuned poll found 61% disapprove of Trump’s DEI policies. Nearly two-thirds believe DEI programs in workplaces and schools help the country.
Foreign policy is another weak spot. CNBC polling found 53% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s global leadership.
The New York Times/Siena College poll also found majorities disapprove of Trump’s handling of international conflicts. That includes his management of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
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