Bipartisan Backlash Drives Trump's Historic Second-Term Low

President Donald Trump's approval rating has reached a second-term low of 40% favorable and 58% unfavorable, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted October 3–7, 2025. This marks a significant decline from his initial term, where his average approval rating was 41%. The downturn coincides with a federal government shutdown initiated on October 1 after Congress failed to agree on funding measures, a crisis exacerbated by Trump's refusal to compromise on Republican-led spending plans that excluded expanded healthcare access. Polls consistently show bipartisan dissatisfaction with Trump's handling of the shutdown, with 54% of respondents disapproving of his approach.

The decline in approval is linked to Trump's controversial policies, including the deployment of National Guard troops to major cities for crime crackdowns, widespread tariffs on trade partners, and the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency to cut federal jobs. A Pew Research Center poll from September 22–28, 2025, found 40% approval and 58% disapproval, with inflation, jobs, and healthcare topping public concerns. Additionally, the Justice Department's decision to withhold details of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein drew sharp criticism, with 60% disapproving of the administration's handling of the issue.

Recent polling averages show Trump's net approval rating fluctuating between -7 and -10 since early July, with no significant movement despite economic indicators like stalling labor markets and rising inflation. While Trump remains popular among Republicans (90% support), his broader appeal has waned. For example, Gallup's data reveals his second-term average approval of 42% lags behind all recent presidents since Harry Truman. The Harvard CAPS/Harris poll noted 53% of voters blame Republicans in Congress for the shutdown, though 65% advocate Democrats accept the Republican plan to end it.

The administration's foreign policy maneuvers have also drawn scrutiny. Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in August, where he aligned with Moscow on ending the Ukraine war, contrasted with his earlier pledges to impose consequences on Russia. Meanwhile, his proposed solution to the Israel-Hamas conflict, which included Hamas releasing hostages, has yet to secure agreement. These actions, combined with his advocacy for deregulation in cryptocurrency markets and the launch of his family's World Liberty Financial stablecoin (USD1), have raised ethical concerns about conflicts of interest.

Analysts attribute the persistent low approval to structural challenges, including Trump's polarizing leadership style and the economic pressures facing voters. The government shutdown, coupled with his administration's controversial policies, has eroded trust in his ability to manage crises. While Trump claims his "highest poll numbers ever" during a UN speech, the data suggests his second term is marked by sustained unpopularity.

[1] Reuters/Ipsos (https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/10/08/trump-approval-rating-hits-second-term-low-in-latest-survey/)

[2] Silver Bulletin (https://www.natesilver.net/p/trump-approval-ratings-nate-silver-bulletin)

[3] Pew Research Center (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/10/06/donald-trump-approval-ratings-amid-shutdown-what-the-latest-polls-say/86546085007/)

[6] Wired (https://www.wired.com/story/as-trumps-family-crypto-business-gains-steam-ethical-concerns-mount/)