Trump’s Approval Ratings: A Divided Nation Weighs In

Approval Ratings Show a Resilient Base, but Deep Divisions

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has been anything but conventional. Unlike past presidents who basked in the glow of a political “honeymoon,” Trump faces a battlefield from day one. Yet, as the latest polling shows, his approval ratings tell a story of resilience and resolve.

As of late January 2025, Trump’s numbers are stronger than they were during his first term. RealClearPolitics puts his approval at 51.3%, with a +7.8% net rating, while FiveThirtyEight reports 49.8% approval and a +7.0% net rating. Our own polling released on January 24th found Trump with 54% approval against 40% disapproval. These figures surpass his 45% average during his first term, showing that a solid majority of the electorate is standing behind him—at least for now.

But the numbers tell another story, too. Unlike Obama, who soared into office with 68.5% approval, or Bush, who started at 57%, Trump’s early second-term ratings reveal a nation still deeply divided. The traditional honeymoon period, where a president enjoys a wave of goodwill, has been all but erased in today’s era of partisan trench warfare.

What’s driving Trump’s numbers? His aggressive early moves—on immigration, executive orders, and economic policy—are clearly energizing his base. But the battle for public opinion remains tight, and history shows that approval ratings can swing wildly based on events and crises.

For now, Trump stands stronger than he did in 2017, but without the broad public embrace that past presidents once enjoyed. His presidency, as ever, is a test of whether sheer political will can overcome the forces aligned against him. If his approval holds—or even rises—it will be a testament to a leader who thrives in the storm rather than seeks refuge from it.