A Year of Rapid Change, Except for Trump's Unchanging Approval Numbers, Poll Reveals

Trump's Approval Ratings Remain Steady Amid Policy Controversies

Eric Hildenbrand, a 76-year-old resident of San Diego, has observed that prices continue to rise in California this year. However, he does not attribute the situation to President Donald Trump, whom he supports for the 2024 election. Instead, Hildenbrand places the blame on Governor Gavin Newsom and other Democrats who hold power in the state.

“I can’t compare California with the rest of the country,” Hildenbrand said. “I don’t know what’s going on elsewhere. It seems like prices are dropping. Things are getting better, but I don’t necessarily see it here.”

Hildenbrand is one of many voters who remain loyal to Trump despite his controversial policies. His support helps explain why Trump’s approval ratings have remained relatively stable compared to previous presidents. According to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted in March, 42% of U.S. adults approved of Trump’s job performance. This figure is lower than the initial approval ratings of recent presidents such as Barack Obama and George W. Bush during their second terms.

The most recent AP-NORC poll, released in July, showed Trump’s approval rating at 40%, a slight decrease from March. While this drop is minimal, some analysts suggest that Trump’s support may be gradually softening. The July poll indicated a decline in approval of his handling of immigration, which was a major point of strength during the 2024 election. Earlier in his term, Trump had higher approval on immigration than his overall rating, but by July, that number had dropped to 43%, matching his general approval rating.

Other polls, including a CNN/SSRS survey, show growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s approach to immigration. The poll found that 55% of U.S. adults believe the president has gone too far in deporting undocumented immigrants, a significant increase from February.

Persistent Criticism on Immigration and Economic Policies

Donovan Baldwin, an 18-year-old from Asheboro, North Carolina, expressed concerns about the aggressive tactics used in immigration enforcement. He noted that while he understands the desire to remove illegal immigrants, he believes the methods are overly harsh. “It comes off as aggression,” Baldwin said. “That’s why people are protesting. It’s not right.”

Trump’s economic policies have also drawn criticism. During his first term, his handling of the economy was more positively received, but in his second term, approval has been consistently negative. A July poll revealed that few Americans believe Trump’s policies have benefited them.

Brian Nichols, a 58-year-old from Albuquerque, acknowledges his disagreements with Trump’s policies, particularly on social media and tariffs. However, he remains supportive, believing that the Republican-controlled House and Senate will act as a check on the president. “We put him into office for a reason,” Nichols said. “We should trust that he’s doing the job for the best of America.”

Steady Views Despite Controversy

Despite pushing through controversial policies, Trump’s favorability ratings have remained largely unchanged over the years. His approval has fluctuated within a 10-point range, even during periods of significant turmoil, such as the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, a felony conviction, and an attempted assassination.

Some supporters, like Kim Schultz of Springhill, Florida, believe the benefits of Trump’s presidency outweigh the drawbacks. She praised his efforts to deport undocumented immigrants and is not concerned about potential price increases due to tariffs. “If the tariffs cost me a little bit more, I don’t have a problem with that,” she said.

While some critics, like Hildenbrand, dislike Trump’s personality and tendency for insults, they still acknowledge his effectiveness. “He’s showing he’s on the right track,” Hildenbrand said. “I’m not in favor of his personality, but I am in favor of what he’s getting done.”

Overall, Trump’s approval ratings remain steady, reflecting the deep divide among voters. His supporters remain committed, while critics continue to voice concerns about his policies and leadership style.