Fact Check: "Donald Trump's approval rating is now less than 50%."
What We Know
Recent polling data indicates that Donald Trump's approval rating is currently below 50%. According to a Quinnipiac University poll conducted shortly after Trump began his second term, only 42% of voters approved of his job performance, while 53% disapproved. This is a decline from previous polls conducted in January and February 2024, where approval ratings were at 46% and 45%, respectively. The poll also highlighted significant partisan divides, with 89% of Republicans approving of Trump's performance compared to only 2% of Democrats.
In contrast, a Marquette Law School Poll conducted later in December 2024 reported that 53% of adults approved of Trump's handling of his job during his presidency from 2017 to 2021. However, this retrospective approval does not reflect his current approval rating as president, which is the focus of the claim being evaluated.
Analysis
The claim that Trump's approval rating is below 50% is substantiated by the Quinnipiac University poll, which is a reputable source known for its rigorous polling methodology. The poll's results clearly show a majority disapproval rate, which aligns with the claim. The Quinnipiac poll's methodology and sample size lend credibility to its findings, making it a reliable source for current approval ratings.
On the other hand, the Marquette Law School Poll presents a different perspective by measuring retrospective approval rather than current approval. While it shows a higher approval rate for Trump's past presidency, it does not contradict the claim regarding his current standing. The Economist's approval tracker and The New York Times also support the assertion that Trump's current approval rating is below 50%, with consistent polling results indicating a decline in support.
It is important to note that approval ratings can fluctuate based on various factors, including current events, economic conditions, and political developments. The Quinnipiac poll's findings are particularly relevant as they reflect the immediate sentiments of voters regarding Trump's current presidency.
Conclusion
The verdict is True. The evidence from the Quinnipiac University poll clearly indicates that Donald Trump's approval rating is currently below 50%, with 42% of voters approving of his performance and 53% disapproving. This aligns with other sources that confirm a trend of declining approval ratings for Trump since the beginning of his second term.
Sources
- Voters' Ratings On Economy And Trump Dip, Trade And Russia - Ukraine ...
- New Marquette Law School Poll national survey finds ...
- Donald Trump approval tracker | The Economist
- President Trump Approval Rating: Latest Polls - The New York Times
- Opinion polling on the first Donald Trump administration
- Presidential Approval Ratings -- Donald Trump - Gallup.com
- Track Donald Trump's approval rating: NBC News polls