President Trump's 41% Approval Marks Historic Low for New Presidents at 100 Days

Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump's approval rating stands at 41% as he approaches the 100-day mark of his second term, according to a recent CNN poll. This figure represents the lowest approval rating for any newly elected U.S. president at this milestone in 70 years, a trend that includes his own first term. The public's sentiment appears to reflect a re-evaluation of his presidency, as noted by commentator James Surowiecki.

Historically, most presidents since polling began have enjoyed majority approval early in their terms. Gallup data indicates the average approval rating for presidents at their first quarter mark, between 1952 and 2020, was 60%. Donald Trump remains the only president to have consistently held approval ratings below 50% during the initial phase of both his first and second terms.

The latest polling reveals a significant partisan divide in public opinion. Approximately 86% of Republicans approve of President Trump's performance, while a stark 93% of Democrats express disapproval. Among political independents, his approval has dipped to 31%, matching a low point from his first term. Key policy actions, such as increased tariffs and proposed government cuts, have drawn more negative than positive views from the broader public.

Amidst these figures, President Trump maintains that his administration is fulfilling its mandate. "I think that what I'm doing is exactly what I've campaigned on," he stated in a recent interview. However, as James Surowiecki observed in a tweet, "Then he became president, and within a couple of months, everyone except MAGA voters remembered how much they don't like him."

This persistent polarization and relatively low overall approval rating underscore the challenges facing the administration as it navigates its second term. Analysts suggest that the initial "semi-popularity" attributed to his status as an alternative to other political figures quickly gave way to established public perceptions once he resumed office.