Donald Trump began his second term as President of the United States with the strongest approval ratings of his political career. However, as he approaches the symbolic 100-day milestone, a new CNN poll reveals a sharp decline in public support, signaling growing discontent across key demographics.
According to the survey, Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 41%, marking the lowest score for any newly elected president since Dwight D. Eisenhower. The data indicates a decline of four percentage points since March and a total drop of seven points since February’s end. Only 22% of respondents strongly approve of his performance, while 45% strongly disapprove, highlighting the deep polarization gripping the country.
Notable Declines Among Women and Latino Voters
The fall in support is particularly stark among women and Latino Americans. Among women, Trump’s approval has dropped by seven points, landing at 36%, while among Latino voters, the decline is similarly steep, bringing his support down to just 28%.
The political divide remains deeply entrenched. Eighty-six percent of Republicans continue to back Trump, while 93% of Democrats disapprove of his leadership. Among independent voters, support has tumbled to 31%, the lowest figure recorded since Trump first took office.
The erosion of trust extends across nearly all policy areas. Approval for Trump’s handling of the economy has fallen by five points, down to 39%, while confidence in his ability to manage inflation has plummeted nine points to 35%. Only 52% of Americans now express trust in Trump’s economic management skills, a significant decline of 13 points compared to December.
Approval of his administration’s appointments also dropped to 42%, with only 46% of Americans expressing confidence in his ability to select competent officials.
Foreign Policy and Immigration Handling Under Scrutiny
Trump’s foreign policy decisions are facing even greater disapproval. Only 39% approve of his approach to international affairs, while a substantial 60% disapprove. His positions on Russia and foreign aid, in particular, have drawn widespread criticism.
On immigration, Trump’s numbers have also slid. Approval for his immigration policies has fallen to 45%, a six-point drop from March. Confidence in his ability to manage immigration issues now stands at 53%.
Interestingly, Trump receives a slightly positive rating regarding his handling of gender identity and transgender rights issues, with 51% approving of his approach—one of the few areas where he enjoys net positive feedback.
However, his attempts to influence cultural and artistic institutions have proven unpopular. Sixty-four percent of Americans believe it is inappropriate for Trump to interfere with cultural bodies like the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian museums.
Americans Remain Deeply Divided
Vice President J.D. Vance mirrors Trump’s approval rating at 41%, though just 34% of Americans view him favorably.
Overall, trust in Trump’s leadership continues to erode. Only 46% of Americans believe he will wield presidential powers responsibly, and half express confidence in his ability to lead the nation effectively.
More than half of Americans (52%) believe Trump’s second term will have a long-term impact on the country. In contrast, 36% think the changes he enacts will disappear once he leaves office.
When it comes to fulfilling his campaign promises, Americans are split almost evenly: 48% believe Trump is following through effectively, while 51% disagree.
The CNN poll, conducted between April 17 and April 24 among 1,678 adults, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.
As Trump’s second term unfolds, the numbers suggest a turbulent road ahead for the embattled president, as public trust diminishes and dissatisfaction grows even among some of his traditional bases of support.