Poll Position: Where President Trump stands among Americans 50 days into his second term
As President Donald Trump celebrates his 50th day back in office, he is touting that America is “back” under his leadership. In an interview with Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Trump highlighted the rapid pace at which he and his administration are moving.
The White House released a statement on Monday titled “50 WINS IN 50 DAYS: President Trump Delivers for Americans,” showcasing Trump’s accomplishments since his inauguration on January 20. While some of these accomplishments have been controversial, Trump remains optimistic about his progress.
However, recent national polls paint a different picture of the Trump presidency. According to surveys from Reuters/Ipsos, CNN, and NPR/PBS/Marist, Trump’s approval ratings are underwater. This comes ahead of his recent address to a joint-session of Congress, where he made his case for his second term in office.
Despite the mixed reviews, Trump took to social media to highlight his “Highest Approval Ratings Since Inauguration.” While his approval ratings are currently above water, there has been a slight decline since his return to the White House in late January. Pollster Neil Newhouse noted that Trump’s numbers are still higher than they were during his first term.
Notably, Trump’s base of Republican supporters remains strong. Daron Shaw, a politics professor at the University of Texas, pointed out that the GOP is fully behind Trump this time around. This unity within the party is a stark contrast to the divisions that plagued Trump’s first term.
During his first 50 days back in office, Trump has signed 89 executive orders, far surpassing the rates of his predecessors. These orders have covered a range of topics, including immigration, tariffs, and foreign policy. Newhouse noted that Trump’s flurry of policies has put Democrats on the defensive, despite his slipping approval ratings.
While Trump’s approval ratings are lower than recent presidents at this point in their terms, there are warning signs to consider. The Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that only one in three Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living. Shaw emphasized that inflation remains a critical issue for Trump’s political future, as high prices could erode his support.
Overall, Trump’s second term in office has been marked by rapid action and controversy. As he navigates the challenges ahead, his approval ratings and handling of key issues like inflation will be critical factors in determining his success.
