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President Donald Trump is closing out 2025 with an approval rating that remains underwater, though recent polling suggests it has stabilized slightly after hitting new lows in November.
As the new year approaches and attention turns toward the 2026 midterm elections, voter sentiment is increasingly shaping the political landscape. For Republicans hoping to retain control of Congress, Trump’s standing with voters—particularly on economic issues—remains a key concern.
Economy and Cost of Living Weigh on Public Opinion
Multiple polls point to the economy and rising living costs as Trump’s biggest vulnerabilities. A Morning Consult survey shows that voters overwhelmingly want the president to prioritize lowering prices and improving economic conditions. However, fewer respondents believe those issues are currently at the top of his agenda.
In a primetime address on December 17, Trump attributed ongoing affordability challenges to Democratic policies, signaling that economic messaging will likely be central to his political strategy heading into 2026.
Epstein Files Add to Political Pressure
Trump’s approval struggles have been compounded by renewed controversy surrounding the release of criminal case files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Following a December 19 deadline set by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Department of Justice released a batch of documents on December 23 that mentioned Trump multiple times.
The renewed attention has coincided with a further dip in public approval, reinforcing existing challenges in the final weeks of the year.
Polling Averages: Where Trump Stands
RealClearPolitics Average
Aggregated polling from RealClearPolitics shows Trump’s approval rating firmly in net-negative territory, though slightly improved from November lows:
- January 27: 50.5% approval (net positive)
- March 13: Shift to net negative (47.8% approve, 48.5% disapprove)
- April 29: First major low at 45.1%, around Trump’s 100-day mark
- November 14: New term low at 42.3% amid Epstein-related controversy
- November 21: Disapproval peaks at 55.6%
- December 23: 43% approve, 53.6% disapprove
New York Times Polling Average
The New York Times polling aggregator shows a similar trajectory:
- January: 52% approval
- April: Drops to 44%, then largely stabilizes
- November 12: Term low of 41% approval
- November 19: Disapproval reaches 56%, a term high
- December 23: 42% approve, 54% disapprove
Morning Consult: Voters Want Economic Action
A Morning Consult poll conducted December 19–21 found Trump’s approval rating at 45%, with 52% disapproving. The survey included 2,203 registered U.S. voters and carries a margin of error of ±2 percentage points.
While approval dipped slightly from the previous week, the poll reinforced a consistent theme: voters want Trump to focus on lowering prices and addressing everyday economic pressures—areas where many feel progress has been limited.
Gallup: Strong GOP Support, Weak Overall Numbers
A two-week Gallup poll released December 22 paints a more challenging picture:
- Overall approval: 36%
- Republicans: 89% approval
- Independents: 25% approval
- Democrats: 3% approval
Trump’s December approval rating matches Gallup’s November figure, which marked the lowest point of his second term—just above his personal low of 34% recorded in January 2021.
The Bottom Line
As 2025 comes to a close, Donald Trump’s approval rating remains historically low compared with other modern presidents at the same point in their first term. While Republican support remains solid, weak backing among independents and strong voter concern over economic issues pose ongoing challenges as the 2026 midterms draw closer.
