Trump's Second Term Faces Early Voter Skepticism

President Donald Trump is nearing the 100-day mark of his second term, and a new wave of polls reveals a growing skepticism among American voters regarding his performance and policy direction. While his core supporters remain largely steadfast, concerns are rising across the political spectrum about the economy, proposed federal cuts, and the president's overall approach to governing.

Approval Ratings Dip

Multiple polls indicate a decline in President Trump's approval rating since the beginning of his term. A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center showed that only 40% of Americans approve of how Trump is handling his job, a seven-percentage-point drop from February. This figure mirrors his approval rating during the first 100 days of his initial term. Historically, most presidents have enjoyed majority approval at this early stage, with Trump and Bill Clinton being notable exceptions. A Fox News poll puts Trump's approval rating at 44%, a one-point decrease compared to his first term.

Economic Concerns Persist

Voters remain uneasy about the state of the economy. The Fox News survey reveals that 71% rate economic conditions negatively, and 55% believe the situation is worsening for their families. While these numbers show slight improvements from December, only 28% feel the economy is getting better. A significant portion of voters, 55%, think Trump's policies are hurting the economy, while 40% anticipate they will be helpful in the long run. Inflation remains a major worry for 82% of voters, although this concern has decreased since earlier in President Biden's term.

Disapproval of Policy Priorities

An Associated Press-NORC survey found that only 24% of American adults believe President Trump has focused on the right priorities in his first 100 days. The survey also indicates that a majority of Americans disapprove of the president's policies regarding tariffs and reducing the federal workforce. Democrats are particularly critical, with approximately three-quarters expressing the view that Trump is concentrating on the wrong issues, and 7 in 10 describing him as a "terrible" president thus far.

Division Over Immigration

Immigration policy continues to be a deeply divisive issue. While some voters appreciate President Trump's actions on immigration, including deportation efforts, others view his approach negatively. An Associated Press-NORC poll revealed that 46% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's handling of immigration, while about half believe he has "gone too far" when it comes to deporting immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

Concerns About Federal Cuts

Public opinion is increasingly negative regarding President Trump's proposed cuts to federal agencies. A majority, 59%, believe the cuts are being made too carelessly. Furthermore, 51% think these cuts will worsen government operations, and 48% say they will ultimately cost Americans money. Confidence in Trump's economic decision-making has also declined, with 45% expressing confidence – his lowest score on this measure since 2019.

Historical Comparisons and Future Outlook

President Trump's second term is unfolding against a backdrop of significant political polarization and economic uncertainty. While he maintains strong support within his base, the broader electorate expresses growing concerns about his policies and leadership. Historically, the first 100 days of a presidency serve as a crucial benchmark for evaluating a president's early success. As Trump approaches this milestone, the polls suggest he faces considerable challenges in unifying the country and addressing the pressing issues facing American voters. The coming months will be critical in determining whether he can regain public trust and effectively implement his agenda.