Fact Check: Trump's approval ratings are the lowest for any modern president in May.

Published June 24, 2025

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# Fact Check: Trump's Approval Ratings Are the Lowest for Any Modern President in May ## What We Know The claim that "Trump's approval ratings are t...

Fact Check: Trump's Approval Ratings Are the Lowest for Any Modern President in May

What We Know

The claim that "Trump's approval ratings are the lowest for any modern president in May" requires careful examination of available polling data. According to The New York Times, President Trump's approval ratings have indeed fluctuated significantly during his presidency, with a notable decline observed in the early months of his second term. However, the assertion that he holds the lowest approval ratings in May compared to all modern presidents lacks comprehensive context.

Historical data compiled by the American Presidency Project indicates that various presidents have experienced low approval ratings during their terms. For instance, President George W. Bush recorded a 25% approval rating in May 2008, which is lower than Trump's ratings during similar periods. Furthermore, The Economist notes that Trump's approval ratings have been consistently negative throughout his presidency, but it does not specify that they are the lowest in May compared to all predecessors.

Analysis

The evidence suggests that while Trump's approval ratings have been low, particularly in May, the claim that they are the lowest for any modern president requires more nuanced analysis. The American Presidency Project provides a historical perspective, showing that other presidents, such as Bush and Obama, also faced significant drops in approval ratings during their terms. This context is crucial because it indicates that Trump's ratings, while low, are not unprecedented in the historical landscape of presidential approval.

Moreover, the methodology used to gauge these ratings is important. Polling data can vary significantly based on the sample size, timing, and methodology employed by different organizations. As noted by The New York Times, the average of polls can provide a more balanced view, but individual polls can show a broad range of support. Therefore, while Trump's ratings may be low, they should be compared against a broader historical backdrop rather than isolated as the lowest without context.

The reliability of sources is also a factor. The New York Times and the American Presidency Project are reputable sources with established methodologies for polling and historical data compilation. In contrast, less rigorous sources may present skewed data or interpretations that do not hold up under scrutiny.

Conclusion

Needs Research: The claim that Trump's approval ratings are the lowest for any modern president in May is not definitively supported by the available evidence. While his ratings are low, they are not the lowest in historical context. A more thorough examination of historical approval ratings across all modern presidents is necessary to substantiate or refute this claim fully.

Sources

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