Fact Check: trump has the lowest approval rating of any president in history

Introduction

The claim that "Trump has the lowest approval rating of any president in history" has circulated widely, particularly during and after his presidency. This assertion raises questions about the accuracy of approval ratings and how they compare across different administrations. In this article, we will explore the evidence surrounding this claim, examining various sources and their credibility.

What We Know

1. Historical Context of Presidential Approval Ratings: Presidential approval ratings have been tracked since the 1930s, with George Gallup being one of the first to conduct such polls. The data shows that approval ratings can vary significantly depending on the political climate, major events, and media coverage 2.

2. Trump's Approval Ratings: According to Gallup, Donald Trump recorded some of the lowest approval ratings in modern history. His approval rating dipped to 34% in December 2017, which was one of the lowest recorded for a sitting president at that time 35.

3. Comparative Analysis: A source from WION claims that Trump has the lowest approval ratings of any U.S. president following World War II, citing Gallup polls as the basis for this assertion 4. However, this claim requires careful scrutiny, as it does not specify whether it includes all presidents in U.S. history or just those since the mid-20th century.

4. Recent Polling Data: As of March 2025, some polls indicate that Trump's approval ratings have fluctuated, with reports suggesting he has experienced a rise in approval, reaching 45% 9. This complicates the narrative of his consistently low ratings.

Analysis

1. Source Reliability: The sources cited include Gallup, a reputable polling organization known for its rigorous methodology, which lends credibility to their data on presidential approval ratings 35. However, WION, while reporting on Gallup's findings, may have a bias in framing the narrative around Trump's presidency, as it is an international news outlet with a specific editorial stance 4.

2. Methodology Concerns: The methodology behind approval ratings can vary, including sample size, demographic representation, and timing of polls. For instance, Gallup's methodology is generally considered robust, but other polls may not adhere to the same standards. This variability can lead to discrepancies in reported approval ratings 5.

3. Contextual Factors: Approval ratings are influenced by numerous factors, including economic conditions, major political events, and media coverage. For example, Trump's approval ratings were notably low during controversies such as the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the events surrounding the Capitol riot in January 2021 6.

4. Conflicting Information: While some sources affirm that Trump holds the record for the lowest approval ratings, others suggest that his ratings have improved over time, particularly in his second term 9. This inconsistency highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of how approval ratings are interpreted and reported.

Conclusion

Verdict: Unverified

The claim that "Trump has the lowest approval rating of any president in history" remains unverified due to several factors. While it is true that Donald Trump recorded notably low approval ratings during his presidency, particularly a low of 34% in December 2017, the assertion lacks clarity regarding the comparison scope—whether it includes all presidents in U.S. history or only those post-World War II. Additionally, recent polling data indicates fluctuations in his approval ratings, suggesting that the narrative of consistently low ratings may not fully capture the complexities of public opinion over time.

It is important to recognize that approval ratings are influenced by a myriad of contextual factors, including political events and media portrayal, which can skew public perception. Furthermore, the methodologies used in polling can vary, leading to potential discrepancies in reported figures.

Given these considerations, the claim cannot be definitively categorized as "True" or "False," highlighting the need for a cautious interpretation of approval rating data. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the nuances involved in such claims.

Sources

1. Final Presidential Job Approval Ratings. Presidency.ucsb.edu
2. United States presidential approval rating. Wikipedia
3. Presidential Approval Ratings -- Donald Trump. Gallup
4. Donald Trump breaks record with lowest approval ratings in US history. WION
5. Presidential Approval Ratings | Gallup Historical Statistics. Gallup
6. How Trump Ranks In Popularity vs. Past Presidents. FiveThirtyEight
7. Trump starts with lowest presidential approval ratings since 1953. Baptist News
8. Poll: Trump faces early challenges on the economy. NBC News
9. How Donald Trump's Approval Rating During Second Term. Newsweek
10. Donald Trump's approval rating: See the latest polls. AZ Central