WASHINGTON (AP) — New polling indicates that President Donald Trump's strengths during his second term appear markedly different compared to his first term. Historically bolstered by economic issues, Trump's current approval ratings demonstrate diminished confidence in his management of the economy, with a growing emphasis on crime, border security, and immigration as his primary areas of support.
In a survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, only 39% of U.S. adults endorsed Trump's overall performance this month, matching his average approval rating, which had seen a brief uptick earlier this summer. This trend of relatively steady approval resonates with similar patterns observed during his first term.
Trump's Dominant Issues: Crime and Border Security
In contrast to previous years, Trump's management of border security has emerged as a notable strength. Approval ratings on this issue have surged since 2019, highlighting Americans' growing confidence in his approach. Nonetheless, Trump's approval on immigration has edged down to 43%, while his handling of crime remains favorably rated at 46%, although this is also a slight decline since August. Meanwhile, independents show greater support for his crime policies compared to his overall presidency.
The Economy: A Weak Point Among Independents
While economic issues have traditionally been a pivotal point for presidents, Trump's approval rating regarding the economy has dropped to just 37%. This is particularly troubling among independent voters, with only 20% approving of his economic handling—a stark contrast to his perceived strengths in border security and crime.
Challenges on Trade and Healthcare
Trump faces significant criticism regarding his handling of trade and healthcare, with around 70% of Republicans expressing dissatisfaction. Nationwide, only 33% of U.S. adults approve of his performance in these areas, with many feeling he has overstepped on tariffs, indicating widespread discontent even within his base.
Foreign Policy: Mixed Results
Concerning international matters, Trump's approval rating for handling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has decreased to 37%, with a drop in support from Republicans and Democrats alike. Despite this decline, polling indicates stability in his foreign policy approval ratings.
The insights garnered from this AP-NORC poll, conducted from September 11-15 with a sample of 1,183 adults, underscore the evolving public perception of Trump's presidency as he continues to navigate the complexities of governance in his second term.
