Fact-Check: "Donald Trump is not a good president"
What We Know
The claim that "Donald Trump is not a good president" is subjective and depends heavily on individual perspectives and political beliefs. However, we can assess Trump's performance through various metrics, particularly his approval ratings.
According to the American Presidency Project, Trump's final job approval ratings have fluctuated significantly throughout his presidency. As of August 2025, his approval rating stands at 38%, with 60% of Americans disapproving of his performance. This reflects a decline from earlier in his term when he had a higher approval rating.
Polling data from The New York Times indicates that Trump's approval ratings have been consistently low compared to his predecessors. For instance, he has experienced a more rapid decline in approval than many recent presidents, although this decline is not unprecedented. Additionally, a report from Pew Research highlights that perceptions of Trump's personal traits have worsened over time, with only 37% of Americans believing he "cares about the needs of ordinary people," a drop from earlier in his presidency.
Furthermore, a Gallup poll shows that Trump's approval ratings have been lower than those of most presidents at similar points in their terms, with only a few exceptions. This suggests a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction among the electorate.
Analysis
The claim that Trump is not a good president can be evaluated through his approval ratings, which serve as a barometer of public opinion. The 38% approval rating reported by Pew Research and corroborated by The New York Times indicates a significant level of discontent among the American populace. The fact that 60% disapprove of his performance suggests that a majority of Americans do not view his presidency favorably.
However, it is essential to consider the context of these ratings. Trump's approval ratings have remained particularly strong among his base, with around 90% of Republicans still approving of his job performance, according to The New York Times. This indicates a polarized political landscape where partisan loyalty can significantly influence perceptions of presidential performance.
The sources used are generally credible, with The New York Times and Pew Research being well-respected organizations in political polling and analysis. However, it is crucial to recognize that approval ratings can be influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, major events, and media portrayal, which may not fully encapsulate the effectiveness of a president's policies or actions.
Conclusion
The claim that "Donald Trump is not a good president" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence indicating low approval ratings and significant disapproval from the general public, it is also clear that he maintains strong support among his base. This duality reflects the complexities of evaluating a president's performance, as opinions can vary widely based on political affiliation and individual values. Therefore, while many Americans express dissatisfaction with Trump's presidency, a significant portion continues to support him, complicating a straightforward assessment of his effectiveness.
Sources
- Final Presidential Job Approval Ratings
- Donald Trump's approval rating
- President Trump Approval Rating: Latest Polls
- Trump's job approval and views of his personal traits
- How Trump’s Approval Stacks Up Against Past Presidents
- Presidential Approval Ratings -- Donald Trump
- Trump Approval Rating: Latest Polls | Silver Bulletin
- How Popular is Donald Trump? - VoteHub
