New Approval Rating Reveals What Trump’s Supporters Really Think—6 Months Into His Presidency
Six months into Donald Trump’s second presidency, a new nationwide approval rating survey has sparked widespread attention. It reveals not only how the general public views him but also, more intriguingly, how his core base of supporters—those who helped propel him back into the White House—feel about his performance so far.
A Divided Nation, Still
The national approval rating, compiled by Gallup in partnership with Pew Research and several independent polling firms, places Trump at 48% overall approval, with 49% disapproval and 3% undecided. While that number appears to reflect a divided nation, a closer look into the data reveals stark contrasts between political affiliations, regions, age groups, and, most significantly, between his loyal supporters and the rest of the country.
Among His Base: Loyalty Remains—but Cracks Emerge
Among Republicans and those who voted for Trump in 2024, the approval rating remains strong at 87%. But this number, while high, is not unanimous—and that’s what analysts are watching closely. During Trump’s first term in 2017, similar polls often showed approval ratings in the 92-95% range among GOP voters during his first six months. The drop may seem small, but in the world of political loyalty, it could be significant.
Reasons Supporters Still Back Him
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Immigration and Border Security:
Many Trump supporters still see him as a strong leader on immigration. His administration has resumed construction of border walls in key areas and increased deportation operations, fulfilling promises he revived during the 2024 campaign. -
Economic Nationalism:
His “America First” economic stance, including new tariffs on Chinese electronics and revived talks of decoupling from foreign supply chains, appeals strongly to working-class Americans who feel left behind by globalization. -
Conservative Values and Judicial Appointments:
Trump has continued to appoint conservative judges and push forward faith-based policies that resonate with Evangelicals and pro-life voters. -
Direct, Unfiltered Communication:
His use of Truth Social and uncensored rally speeches continues to be praised by supporters who view mainstream media as biased and dishonest.
One supporter from Ohio put it this way:
“He might be rough around the edges, but Trump is the only one who says what we’re all thinking. He doesn’t play the D.C. game.”
Where the Doubts Are Growing
Despite the overall approval from his base, cracks are beginning to show in specific segments of Trump’s coalition.
1. Independent Conservatives and Libertarians:
Some voters who previously backed Trump for his economic deregulation and anti-establishment rhetoric are now voicing frustration with what they see as an overly combative foreign policy and excessive executive orders.
“I wanted less government, not more chaos,” one former Trump supporter in Arizona said.
2. Suburban Women:
While Trump made inroads with suburban women in 2024, recent polls show a dip in their support—especially among moderate Republican women—citing divisive language and a perceived lack of unity.
3. Young Conservatives:
A new wave of Gen Z Republicans are increasingly vocal about environmental issues, tech policy, and digital freedom. Some feel Trump’s policies are outdated or overly reactive.
Key Issues Shaping the Approval Landscape
Foreign Policy:
Trump’s handling of international conflicts—especially in the Middle East and Eastern Europe—has become a lightning rod. His decision to suspend funding to Ukraine and take a harder stance on NATO contributions has drawn both praise and criticism, even within his party.
Supreme Court Appointments:
His recent nomination of a conservative justice to replace a retiring liberal icon has energized his Christian base but further polarized moderates.
Inflation and the Economy:
While inflation has slowed slightly, concerns about interest rates and a possible recession loom. Business owners remain cautiously optimistic, but working-class families are expressing mixed feelings about the impact on grocery prices, gas, and housing.
Regional Support Patterns
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The South and Midwest: Trump’s strongest support remains in rural and exurban areas. States like Alabama, Kentucky, West Virginia, and parts of Ohio and Indiana report approval ratings exceeding 65%.
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The Coasts and Urban Centers: Approval among city dwellers is sharply lower—hovering around 25% in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.
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Swing States: In Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Arizona, approval remains near the national average—around 49%—but with high polarization. In these states, Trump’s ability to maintain support may determine the 2026 midterm balance of power.
Media Narratives vs. Grassroots Reality
Interestingly, the mainstream media’s portrayal of Trump—focusing on his legal battles, inflammatory rhetoric, and controversial policies—does not always match what his supporters see. Many view such coverage as confirmation of an entrenched establishment fighting to keep him out.
A woman at a rally in Michigan summarized it succinctly:
“If the media hates him this much, he must be doing something right.”
Yet, others are beginning to express “Trump fatigue.” A lifelong Republican from Georgia admitted:
“We needed a shakeup in 2016. In 2024, I voted for him again. But now? I’m starting to wonder if we’ll ever get past the drama.”
What the Numbers Mean Going Forward
The six-month mark is a critical inflection point in any presidency. For Trump, the high retention among his base shows that his core message is still resonating—but the subtle erosion in some key demographics suggests he may face headwinds ahead.
If the trend continues—especially among suburban moderates and young conservatives—Trump could find himself facing a steeper path during midterms and, potentially, a primary challenge or internal opposition within his own party.
Conversely, if the economy stabilizes, and he scores a major legislative or diplomatic win, his approval could rebound or even grow—especially if Democrats remain divided or fail to present a compelling counter-narrative.
Conclusion
Six months in, Trump’s second presidency is shaping up to be as polarizing and consequential as his first. The new approval ratings show that while he still commands fierce loyalty among his base, the nation—and even parts of his coalition—are watching closely, measuring each move. Whether this is the foundation for a political resurgence or the beginning of erosion depends not just on Trump—but on the shifting currents of an American public that is more politically engaged, and divided, than ever
