Donald Trump is back in the White House, but Americans remain deeply divided. A new Gallup poll shows he starts his second term with a dismal 47% approval rating. No other elected president since 1953 has ever begun a term with less than 50% approval.
Trump’s Unpopularity Sets Records
Gallup’s Megan Brenan revealed the shocking numbers. “Trump remains the only elected president with sub-50% initial approval ratings,” she wrote. Worse, his disapproval has jumped to 48%, three points higher than in 2017.
By contrast, history’s most beloved modern president, John F. Kennedy, enjoyed 72% approval at the start of his term in 1961. Dwight Eisenhower and Barack Obama followed with 68%, while Jimmy Carter hit 66% in 1977. Most presidents enjoy a honeymoon period. Not Trump.
Controversial start to power
Despite his impeachment history and felony conviction, Trump stormed back into office. He crushed Kamala Harris in the electoral college and even won the popular vote by over 2 million ballots. Now, he claims a strong mandate for radical policies.
His first days back have been chaotic. He has issued a flurry of executive orders targeting undocumented immigrants and gutting federal agencies. Democrats accuse him of breaking the law. His attempt to freeze federal funds already backfired, forcing him to retreat.
A cabinet of controversy
Trump’s cabinet picks are setting off alarms. Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host with far-right views, is now Secretary of Defense. His past personal misconduct allegations sparked outrage, but he denied them.
Other nominations are just as shocking. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a notorious vaccine conspiracy theorist, is tapped for Health Secretary. Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat-turned-Trump ally, is lined up for Director of National Intelligence. And Kash Patel, a known election denier, is Trump’s pick to lead the FBI.
Americans deeply divided
The country remains split on Trump’s aggressive policies. Gallup found 40% believe he is moving at the right pace. But 37% think he is going too fast, while 14% feel he isn’t acting quickly enough.
His approval ratings mirror past Republican presidents. Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush started their terms with similarly lukewarm support. However, Gallup notes a key difference: Americans are more likely to disapprove of Trump than to be undecided.
Biden’s numbers were better
Four years ago, Joe Biden started with a 57% approval rating. His disapproval stood at 37%—nine points better than Trump’s numbers today.
Trump continues to push false claims about the 2020 election. The lie that fueled the January 6 insurrection remains a central theme of his rhetoric. In his first act as president, he pardoned over 1,500 rioters, including those convicted of seditious conspiracy and violence against police.
One undeniable fact remains: Trump is the only modern president who has never reached a 50% approval rating. Will that change? The nation watches and waits.
