Fact Check: Trump never once had a net positive approval rating during his presidency

Introduction

The claim that "Trump never once had a net positive approval rating during his presidency" suggests that throughout his time in office, former President Donald Trump consistently received more disapproval than approval from the American public. This assertion invites scrutiny, particularly given the contentious nature of political polling and the varying methodologies employed by different polling organizations.

What We Know

1. Approval Ratings Overview: According to a variety of polling sources, Trump's approval ratings fluctuated significantly during his presidency. For instance, Gallup reported that Trump's approval rating at times reached as high as 49% in early 2020, which would indicate a net positive approval rating at that point, as disapproval was lower than approval 5.

2. Polling Data: The New York Times and other sources provide interactive charts that track Trump's approval ratings over time, showing that while he often had low ratings, there were moments where he achieved a net positive rating 1.

3. Historical Context: Comparatively, Trump's approval ratings were among the lowest for a sitting president. For example, at the 100-day mark of his presidency, he recorded a 41% approval rating, which was the lowest for any newly elected president since Dwight Eisenhower 8.

4. Recent Trends: As of late April 2025, Trump's approval ratings were reported to be around 42%, with a disapproval rating of 53% 9. This indicates a net negative approval rating at that time, but does not account for the entirety of his presidency.

5. Poll Variability: Different polling organizations report varying results. For example, a recent poll from Emerson College indicated a slight uptick in Trump's approval rating, suggesting that fluctuations can occur based on the timing and context of the polls 7.

Analysis

The claim that Trump never had a net positive approval rating relies heavily on the interpretation of polling data.

• Source Reliability: The sources cited, including Gallup, The New York Times, and CNN, are generally considered reputable and employ rigorous polling methodologies. However, it is important to recognize that all polls have inherent limitations, such as sample size, demographic representation, and timing, which can influence results.

• Methodological Concerns: Polling methodologies can vary widely. For example, some polls may weight responses based on past voting behavior, while others may not. This can lead to discrepancies in reported approval ratings. Furthermore, the context of each poll (e.g., major political events, economic conditions) can significantly affect public sentiment.

• Conflicting Information: While some sources indicate that Trump maintained a net negative approval rating for much of his presidency, others highlight specific instances where he achieved a net positive rating. This inconsistency raises questions about the overall validity of the claim.

• Potential Bias: Media outlets may have biases that could affect how they report on polling data. For instance, a publication with a known political leaning might emphasize negative ratings more than positive ones, which could skew public perception.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "Trump never once had a net positive approval rating during his presidency" is false. Evidence from various polling sources indicates that there were indeed moments when Trump's approval ratings reached net positive levels, such as a reported 49% approval rating in early 2020. While it is true that Trump's overall approval ratings were often low and fluctuated throughout his presidency, the assertion that he never achieved a net positive rating is not supported by the available data.

It is important to acknowledge that polling data can be influenced by numerous factors, including methodology, timing, and the political context at the time of polling. While reputable sources were used to analyze Trump's approval ratings, the inherent limitations of polling—such as sample size and demographic representation—should be considered when interpreting these results.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the nuances of polling data, as well as the potential for conflicting interpretations based on varying methodologies and biases in reporting.

Sources

1. President Trump Approval Rating: Latest Polls - The New York Times. Link
2. Donald Trump approval tracker - The Economist. Link
3. Trump approval sinks as Americans criticize his major ... - The Washington Post. Link
4. Poll: Nearly half give Trump an F for his first 100 days - NPR. Link
5. Presidential Approval Ratings -- Donald Trump - Gallup.com. Link
6. Track Donald Trump's approval rating: NBC News polls. Link
7. Donald Trump: Approval Ratings & Polls | Silver Bulletin. Link
8. Poll: Trump's approval rating at 100 days in office | CNN Politics. Link
9. Where Trump's approval rating stands after 100 days in office - PBS NewsHour. Link
10. Map shows where Trump's approval rating is rising, falling fastest - Newsweek. Link