Fact Check: Trump's average approval rating during his second term is higher than his first term.

Published July 7, 2025

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VERDICT

False

# Fact Check: "Trump's average approval rating during his second term is higher than his first term." ## What We Know The claim that Donald Trump's a...

Fact Check: "Trump's average approval rating during his second term is higher than his first term."

What We Know

The claim that Donald Trump's average approval rating during his second term is higher than during his first term is misleading. According to multiple sources, Trump's approval ratings have fluctuated significantly throughout both terms, but recent data indicates that his second-term approval ratings have not consistently surpassed those of his first term. For instance, a recent ActiVote poll reported Trump's approval rating at 45% during his second term, which is notably lower than his average of 41% during his first term. Additionally, The New York Times highlights that Trump's approval ratings have been dropping faster than those of his predecessors, suggesting a trend of declining support.

Analysis

While some polls indicate that Trump's approval ratings in his second term have occasionally reached levels comparable to or slightly above his first term, the overall trend shows a decline. For example, Newsweek noted that Trump's approval rating has recently dropped to its lowest level of his second term, with a net approval rating of -7%. This decline is corroborated by other polls, such as a John Zogby Strategies poll, which recorded a net approval of -8 points, indicating a significant drop from earlier in the year.

Conversely, some reports, such as one from Gallup, suggest that Trump's approval ratings might have reached 46% in his second term, which is higher than the 41% average from his first term. However, these figures are not universally consistent across all polling sources and often depend on the timing and methodology of the polls conducted. The variability in polling results underscores the challenges in accurately assessing approval ratings over time.

Moreover, the credibility of the sources varies. Polls from established organizations like Gallup and The New York Times are generally considered reliable due to their rigorous methodologies, while other sources may have less stringent standards. This inconsistency can lead to differing interpretations of Trump's approval ratings.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump's average approval rating during his second term is higher than during his first term is False. While there are instances where his second-term ratings have been reported as higher, the overall trend indicates a decline in approval ratings compared to his first term. The majority of reliable polling data suggests that Trump's approval ratings have not maintained the same level of support seen during his first term, particularly as his second term progresses.

Sources

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