Donald Trump’s approval ratings have faced significant challenges, making for a striking comparison to past presidents. Eight months into his second term, Trump finds himself with some of the lowest approval scores in modern U.S. history, prompting many to take a closer look at how his numbers stack up against previous leaders.
A Drop in Approval
The latest Gallup national poll places Trump at a 40% approval rating, with 56% disapproval. This is notably lower than the historical presidential average of 52%, which has been consistent since 1938. Even by Trump’s own standards, his ratings have remained stagnant. His first term averaged 41%, and his second term has only improved slightly, sitting at 42%. His peak approval rating in 2024 was 47%, which happened back in January, and by July, it had dropped to a low of 37%.
A Divided Nation
What makes the approval ratings even more concerning is the sharp division along party lines. Among Republicans, Trump still enjoys nearly unanimous support, with 93% backing him. However, independents have shown significant drift, with only 35% approving of his presidency. The Democratic side is even more dismal, with just 1% of Democrats expressing approval.
At the state level, the picture becomes even more complicated. According to Morning Consult’s September update, Trump holds a positive approval rating in just 25 states, a drop from 27 in the previous month. States like North Carolina and Nevada, which were once favorable to Trump, have now shifted to net negative ratings. Georgia, a key 2024 swing state, remains in his corner, but Arizona is hanging on by a thread with a 0% approval rating.
Strong States vs. Struggling States
Some states, however, remain more favorable to Trump. Tennessee, for instance, shows one of his strongest ratings with 58% approval. Wyoming also leads the pack with 62%, followed by Idaho, West Virginia, and South Dakota, where 60% approve of his performance. On the flip side, Vermont, one of the states with the lowest approval, shows a staggering 36-point gap between approval and disapproval.
Despite this mix of support and criticism across states, it’s clear that Trump’s national standing remains highly volatile, with some areas providing strong backing while others move further away.
A Bleak Comparison to Past Presidents
Trump’s current approval rating paints a stark contrast when compared to other recent presidents. By the same point in their terms, previous presidents enjoyed higher approval ratings. In 2009, Barack Obama had an approval rating of 53%, George W. Bush stood at 56% in 2001, and Ronald Reagan boasted an impressive 60% approval in 1981. Even Jimmy Carter, often cited for his struggles, had a much higher 63% approval rating in 1977.
In comparison, Trump’s approval rating in 2017 was just 36%, and his August 2024 rating of 40% is lower than any modern president at the same stage in their term. These figures show that, despite Trump’s dominance within the Republican Party, his appeal outside of it has remained relatively stagnant.
The Reality of Trump’s Numbers
Trump has always been a figure who thrives on defying expectations. While he remains a formidable presence within the Republican base, his broader approval ratings show a much bleaker reality. Despite his administration’s notorious ability to push forward in the face of unfavorable numbers, these approval ratings will likely become a critical point for his political opponents, providing ample ammunition as the 2024 election approaches.
As the country looks ahead, the question remains: will Trump’s approval rating improve as his second term progresses, or will these historically low numbers become a permanent fixture in his presidency?
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