President Donald Trump appears to have lost significant popularity since taking office.
According to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS finds that Trump’s 41% approval rating is the lowest for any newly elected president at 100 days dating back at least to Dwight Eisenhower – including Trump’s own first term.
An approval rating for the U.S. President is a measure of public support, typically expressed as a percentage, indicating how many people approve of the president’s performance in office. It is usually gathered through nationwide opinion polls conducted by research organizations like Gallup, Pew Research, or news outlets.
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Participants are asked whether they approve or disapprove of how the president is handling their job. These ratings can fluctuate based on events, policies, economic conditions, or national crises. A high approval rating suggests strong public support, while a low rating may reflect dissatisfaction or controversy. Approval ratings are important because they can influence a president’s ability to pass legislation, maintain political alliances, and shape public perception.
While they don’t directly affect presidential powers, they serve as a barometer of public confidence and can impact decisions by other elected officials who respond to public opinion. Ratings are typically updated regularly throughout a presidency.
Approval of Trump’s handling of the presidency is reportedly down 4 points since March, and 7 points lower than it was in late February, with just 22% saying that they strongly approve of Trump’s handling of the job, a new low, and about twice as many say they strongly disapprove (45%).
“I’m disappointed. I didn’t vote for him. I was going to give him the benefit of doubt, because I figured, you know, he could do things to help the economy and … further disappointment,” said a 55-year-old Virginia resident who identifies as an independent and participated in the poll. According to CNN, she has worked for the federal government for more than two decades and asked that her name not be used.
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President Trump having the lowest approval rating in 70 years, as of 2025, signifies a significant shift in public opinion, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with his leadership. Such low approval ratings could indicate that many Americans disapprove of his policies, handling of key issues, or overall conduct as president. In practical terms, this can weaken his ability to pass legislation, especially if public opinion remains polarized or critical. It can also diminish his influence in the political arena, as lawmakers from both parties may hesitate to align with a president facing widespread disapproval.
For Trump’s presidency in 2025, this means challenges in maintaining political momentum and engaging with the electorate. It could also signal difficulties in securing support for re-election, as approval ratings often correlate with election outcomes. If his approval does not improve, it may also lead to more intense scrutiny from the media and political opponents.