President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have taken a sharp dive in a new New York Times/Siena College poll, with voters turning against his tough stances on the economy and immigration — just months into his second term.
Only 42% of voters approve of the job he’s doing. A majority — 54% — disapprove. That leaves Trump 12 points underwater, a sharp contrast to past presidents at this point in their terms. Independents, in particular, are turning against him, with only 29% backing his administration. A growing majority of these voters say Trump is out of touch with their needs, with more than 60% believing he’s abusing his presidential powers.
On the economy, once considered a Trump stronghold, the president is struggling. 51% of voters disapprove of his handling of immigration, a key issue for his base, while 47% approve. But when it comes to trade, the federal government, and the economy, Trump’s ratings are deeply negative. Voters are frustrated, with 12% disapproving of his management of the economy — a critical area for any president.
Trump’s worst numbers come on the war in Ukraine, where just 35% approve of his response. The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the immigrant wrongfully deported to El Salvador, has also been a flashpoint. Just 31% approve of how Trump handled it, a situation that has sparked widespread outrage, especially among Democrats.
The poll also reveals 55% oppose Trump’s tariffs, with an even stronger 63% of independents rejecting the policy. And while most Americans believe the U.S. has benefited from trade and foreign alliances, Trump’s trade wars continue to divide voters.
Meanwhile, 54% of voters, including 63% of independents, say Trump’s changes to the political and economic system have gone too far. Half of those polled view this disruption as a “bad thing.”
With the 2024 elections on the horizon, Democrats are finding hope in the numbers. The poll shows them with a 3-point lead on the generic congressional ballot, which often reflects the mood for upcoming elections.
Trump’s approval rating shows signs of sliding further, with the average approval across polls now sitting at 45.1%, compared to a 51.8% disapproval.
The poll was conducted from April 21-24 among 913 registered voters, with a margin of error of 3.8 points.
