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Trump’s Approval Ratings Show Divergent Trends Ahead of Midterms

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Trump’s approval among independents has reached record lows in several polls
  • Overall approval ratings for Trump range from 36% to 45% across recent surveys
  • Republican National Committee Chair described Trump as the GOP’s “secret weapon”

Recent polling data highlights varying levels of public approval for Donald Trump as the November midterm elections approach. The figures show notable differences in support among key voter groups, particularly independents.

Multiple national polls conducted in 2025 have reported Trump’s overall approval rating between 36% and 45%. The RealClearPolitics polling average places his approval at around 42% with a disapproval rate of 55%. The Wall Street Journal’s poll records a higher figure of 45% approval, while the AP-NORC poll from December 2025 reports a lower overall approval of 36%.

Approval among independent voters has declined across several surveys. The Gallup poll from July 2025 shows only 29% of independents approving of Trump’s performance, and the New York Times/Siena College poll records the same percentage. The Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll from November 2025 finds independent approval at 30%.

Trump’s ratings on specific policy areas have also decreased, especially among independents. The AP-NORC December 2025 poll indicates that approval for Trump’s handling of the economy stands at 31%, while approval on immigration is at 38%. These figures reflect a downward trend compared to previous periods.

What the numbers show

  • Gallup’s July 2025 poll: 37% overall approval, 29% among independents
  • AP-NORC December 2025: 36% overall approval, 31% on economy, 38% on immigration
  • Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos November 2025: 41% overall, 30% among independents
  • RealClearPolitics average: 42% approval, 55% disapproval

Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters described Trump as the party’s “secret weapon” for the upcoming midterm elections. This statement comes as polling data shows both strengths and challenges for Trump’s public image.

Some polls, such as the Newsweek-reported survey, indicate that independent approval is at 38%, with 58% of independents disapproving. These results suggest a shift in attitudes among a group that often plays a pivotal role in election outcomes.

Across several polls, approval among independents has reached record lows. This trend is evident in Gallup, New York Times/Siena College, and Politico-reported surveys, all showing independent approval at or below 29%.

On key issues like the federal budget, economy, and immigration, Trump’s approval has declined among independents. Polls from Gallup and AP-NORC confirm that these areas have seen especially low ratings, contributing to the overall downward trend in independent support.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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