Trump’s Second-Term Approval Ratings Spark Debate Over Accuracy and Perception
Just ten months into his second term, President Donald Trump faces a complex political landscape as his approval ratings continue to draw attention and provoke debate. While multiple surveys suggest a growing divide in public opinion, the president maintains that the numbers circulating in the media fail to reflect the reality of his leadership and accomplishments.
Recent polls paint a challenging picture for the president. According to a nationwide survey conducted in October 2025, roughly 39% of Americans reported approving of Trump’s performance in office, while 56% expressed disapproval. This results in a net approval rating of −17 points, a figure remarkably similar to the president’s standing at the same stage of his first term. Notably, support among Hispanic voters has declined sharply to around 25%, compared with 44% earlier in the term. Meanwhile, Trump’s base remains steadfast, with approval consistently above 85% among loyal Republican voters.
The president’s reaction to these numbers has been dismissive, labeling unfavorable polls as “fake” and questioning the intentions of pollsters and media outlets reporting the data. On social media, Trump emphasized what he considers his administration’s successes—economic growth, investment inflows, border security achievements, energy policies, and foreign affairs milestones—while arguing that the polls do not reflect the broader picture of his performance.
Analysts note that the discrepancies between public opinion polls and the president’s narrative highlight the challenge of interpreting approval ratings in a highly polarized environment. Polling methodology, sample demographics, and the timing of surveys all contribute to variations, leaving room for debate about their reliability. At the same time, Trump’s vocal rejection of the data fuels a narrative among his supporters that media and political opponents are misrepresenting the facts.
The stakes of approval ratings go beyond mere numbers. They influence public perception, political leverage, and the ability to enact policy. A declining approval rating among independents, younger voters, and minority communities could affect fundraising, legislative support, and electoral prospects. Conversely, the loyalty of his base provides the president with a strong foundation for maintaining influence within his party.
Ultimately, the discussion surrounding Trump’s approval ratings underscores a larger tension in contemporary American politics: the clash between measured public opinion and competing narratives promoted by political leaders. Whether the public accepts the polls as accurate reflections of sentiment—or aligns with Trump’s perspective that they are misleading—will shape the trajectory of his second term and the broader political discourse.