Fact Check: Trump is a good president

Claim Analysis: "Trump is a good president"

Introduction

The claim that "Trump is a good president" is a subjective assertion that can vary widely depending on individual perspectives, political beliefs, and the criteria used to evaluate presidential performance. This claim invites scrutiny and analysis of various aspects of Donald Trump's presidency, including economic performance, regulatory changes, public approval ratings, and the impact of his policies.

What We Know

1. Economic Performance: Trump's administration has been characterized by significant economic changes, including tax cuts and deregulation. According to a Reuters dashboard, various economic indicators are tracked to assess the impact of Trump's policies on the economy, though specific metrics and their interpretations can vary widely among analysts 3.

2. Regulatory Changes: The Brookings Institution has created a tracker that monitors regulatory changes during Trump's presidency, noting that he has pursued an aggressive agenda of deregulation. This has been praised by some for fostering business growth but criticized by others for potential negative impacts on public health and the environment 1.

3. Public Approval Ratings: According to Pew Research, Trump's job approval rating has fluctuated significantly. As of April 2025, his approval rating was reported at 40%, a drop from 47% earlier in the year, indicating a decline in public support 9. This suggests that public perception of his effectiveness may be waning.

4. Voter Demographics: NPR's analysis of the demographics of voters who supported Trump in the 2024 election indicates that he garnered significant support from working-class voters, a demographic that historically leaned Democratic. This shift may reflect a broader realignment in political affiliations 5.

5. Polls and Public Opinion: Various polls conducted around the 100-day mark of Trump's second term show significant disapproval regarding his handling of key issues, including the economy and government size 8. These polls indicate that while some may view his presidency positively, a substantial portion of the population does not share this view.

Analysis

The claim that Trump is a "good president" is inherently subjective and lacks a universally accepted metric for evaluation. The sources available provide a mixed picture of his presidency:

• Credibility of Sources: The Brookings Institution and Pew Research are generally regarded as credible and reliable sources for political analysis. They employ rigorous methodologies in their research, which adds weight to their findings 19. However, NPR, while reputable, may exhibit some bias in its reporting, particularly in its framing of political issues 25.

• Conflicts of Interest: It is important to note that some sources may have inherent biases based on their political leanings. For example, American Progress, which focuses on progressive policies, may present a more critical view of Trump's presidency 10. This can affect the interpretation of data and the conclusions drawn.

• Methodological Concerns: Polling data, such as that from Pew Research, relies on sample sizes and methodologies that can influence results. For instance, the survey conducted in April 2025 involved 3,589 adults, which is a substantial sample size, but the representativeness of this sample can still be questioned based on demographic factors 7.

• Diverse Perspectives: Supporters of Trump may cite economic growth and deregulation as indicators of a successful presidency, while critics highlight rising inequality and environmental concerns as significant downsides. This dichotomy illustrates the challenge of arriving at a consensus on the effectiveness of his presidency.

Conclusion

Verdict: Unverified

The claim that "Trump is a good president" remains unverified due to the subjective nature of presidential evaluations and the mixed evidence available. Key factors contributing to this verdict include the fluctuating economic indicators, varying public approval ratings, and the polarized perspectives on Trump's policies. While some sources present data that could be interpreted as supportive of Trump's presidency, others highlight significant criticisms that challenge this view.

It is essential to recognize that the assessment of a president's effectiveness is influenced by individual beliefs and the criteria used for evaluation. The limitations of the available evidence, including potential biases in sources and the subjective interpretation of data, further complicate the ability to definitively categorize the claim as true or false.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when forming their own conclusions about political figures and their legacies.

Sources

1. Brookings Institution. "Tracking regulatory changes in the second Trump administration." Link
2. NPR. "Trump's 1st 100 days, by the numbers." Link
3. Reuters. "Tracking Trump's economy." Link
4. NPR. "Trump is trying to remake the presidency. Here’s why." Link
5. NPR. "An analysis of the voters who likely put Donald Trump back into power." Link
6. New York Times. "Why Trump Has a More Plausible Path to the Presidency, in 19 Maps." Link
7. Pew Research Center. "Ratings of Trump and Key Policies 100 Days Into Second Term." Link
8. NBC News. "What the polls say about Trump's presidency at 100 days." Link
9. Pew Research Center. "Trump's job approval, handling of issues in April 2025." Link
10. American Progress. "How To Evaluate Whether Trump Delivers for the Working Class." Link