Trump's Approval Ratings Shift as Key Issues Emerge in Second Term

Fri Oct 10 2025 19:37:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A new AP-NORC poll reveals significant fluctuations in President Trump's approval ratings, highlighting shifts in public perception of his handling of various issues.

As President Trump navigates his second term, polling data show notable changes in approval ratings across key issues such as border security, crime, and the economy. While Trump enjoys higher approval on border security, his handling of the economy remains a significant challenge, particularly among independent voters. The latest survey indicates a slight drop in approval ratings for Trump's overall performance, emphasizing the evolving priorities of the American electorate.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent survey indicates that President Donald Trump's approval ratings in his second term diverge significantly from his first. Issues that once bolstered his presidency, particularly economic concerns, are now causing him trouble, with low approval ratings in that area. Polls suggest that while Trump has gained traction with voters on topics like crime and immigration, his performance on economic management is faltering, especially among independent voters.

As a stark shift from his first term, border security has emerged as Trump’s strongest issue. Recent polling from the AP-NORC Center portrays majorities of Americans approving of Trump’s approach to border matters, a marked improvement compared to the past. In contrast, his overall job approval currently stands at 39%, maintaining stability after minor fluctuations.

On immigration, there is a slight decline in approval from approximately 50% to 43%, although it remains better than his overall rating, indicating a retention of support in this area since the start of his second term.

However, Trump faces significant challenges regarding economic feedback, with only 37% of Americans approving of his economic strategies, a drop from 43% in August. This issue proves particularly problematic among independents, where approval rates fall to 20%. The economic challenges that capitalized on public fear during his first term now exacerbate his current ratings.

Trump is also experiencing critical weakness on issues relating to trade and healthcare, with only about 70% of Republican respondents approving of his approach to these areas. Overall, public sentiment is largely discontent regarding both trade negotiations and healthcare, with approval rates lingering around one-third.

Additionally, his handling of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has shown a decline, with only 37% of Americans now approving of his management of this issue. This represents a slip from earlier higher approval ratings.

The insights gathered from the AP-NORC poll of 1,183 adults highlight shifting perceptions and priorities among the American public, as Trump continues his second term facing both expectations and frustrations alike.