Fact-Check Article: "Donald Trump is not a good president"
What We Know
The claim that "Donald Trump is not a good president" encompasses various aspects of his presidency, including his policies, executive actions, and public perception.
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Executive Actions: The Trump Administration has been criticized for acting in ways that some argue weaken democratic institutions and public health protections. According to Rep. Cohen's tracking of executive actions, these actions have included illegal and unconstitutional measures that have adversely affected millions of Americans, particularly regarding healthcare and environmental protections.
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Public Opinion: Trump's approval ratings have fluctuated significantly during his presidency. As of August 2025, a Pew Research survey indicates that only 38% of U.S. adults approve of his performance, while 60% express disapproval. This sentiment is echoed in other surveys, such as a Gallup poll that recorded a decline in his approval rating from 47% at the start of his second term to 37% by June 2025.
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Policy Impact: Critics argue that Trump's policies have had negative effects on various sectors. For instance, a Pew Research study found that 87% of Democrats believe Trump is making government operations worse. Conversely, some supporters claim that his administration has achieved notable successes, as highlighted in a Washington Post opinion piece, which praised his recent performance.
Analysis
The evaluation of whether Donald Trump is a "good president" is inherently subjective and depends on the metrics used for assessment.
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Criticism of Actions: The claims made by Rep. Cohen and other critics highlight serious concerns regarding Trump's executive actions, particularly those that may infringe upon constitutional rights and democratic norms. The tracking of harmful executive actions provides a basis for these criticisms, suggesting that many of his policies have been detrimental to public welfare and civil rights.
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Public Sentiment: The approval ratings from Pew Research and Gallup indicate a significant level of dissatisfaction among the general public, particularly among Democrats. This widespread disapproval suggests that many Americans do not view his presidency favorably. However, it is important to note that Trump's base remains loyal, as indicated by the approval ratings among his supporters.
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Supportive Perspectives: On the other hand, some analyses, such as those presented in the Washington Post, argue that Trump has had significant achievements that may not be reflected in public opinion polls. This dichotomy illustrates the polarized nature of Trump's presidency, where opinions are often split along partisan lines.
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Source Reliability: The sources used in this analysis vary in reliability. Official research organizations like Pew and Gallup provide data-driven insights, while opinion pieces may reflect bias based on the publication's editorial stance. Therefore, while the criticisms are grounded in documented actions, supportive claims may be more subjective.
Conclusion
The assertion that "Donald Trump is not a good president" is Partially True. This conclusion is based on the mixed evidence surrounding his presidency. While there are significant criticisms regarding his executive actions and public disapproval, there are also supporters who highlight achievements and maintain a favorable view of his leadership. The polarized nature of public opinion and the subjective criteria for evaluating a president complicate a definitive judgment.
Sources
- Tracking the Trump Administration's Harmful Executive Actions
- Trump's First 100 Days in 2025
- Donald Trump's approval rating
- Opinion | Trump has been on an amazing run. Let's review.
- Trump's job approval and views of his personal traits
- Views of Trump's policies and confidence in his ability to ...
- Navigating the Second Act: An Evaluation of Trump's Current ...
- Presidential Approval Ratings -- Donald Trump
