Trump’s Early Second Term Approval Ratings Show Decline

ByDom Castellano

Three months into his second term, President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are showing a downward trend across multiple national polls, with particularly low numbers in New Jersey. Recent surveys indicate growing disapproval of the administration’s handling of key policy areas including the economy, immigration, and government workforce management.

A new Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday shows just 42% of voters nationwide approve of Trump’s job performance, a three-point drop from February, while disapproval has risen four points to 53%, according to NJ.com. This continues a pattern of declining support captured in multiple surveys.

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Multiple Polls Show Consistent Pattern

The downward trajectory is consistent across several prominent polling organizations. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted March 11-12 found 44% approval versus 52% disapproval of Trump’s overall job performance, with even lower marks on economic issues at 39% approval and 51% disapproval, the Courier Post reports.

The Economist’s tracking poll from March 13 shows similar results with 46% viewing the president favorably compared to 51% unfavorably. Gallup’s most recent survey, conducted February 3-16, recorded 45% approval against 51% disapproval, further confirming the trend across different methodologies and time periods.

“A noticeable uptick of discontent can be seen over President Trump’s handling of a range of issues: from Ukraine to the economy to the federal workforce,” said Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy in a press release accompanying their findings.

New Jersey Shows Stronger Disapproval

In New Jersey, where Trump has historically faced stronger opposition than nationally, the numbers are even more stark. According to data from online survey platform Civiqs as of March 12, only 38% of New Jerseyans view Trump favorably, while 60% hold an unfavorable opinion and 2% remain unsure.

This represents a continuation of Trump’s challenges in the Garden State. World Population Review data indicates that by November 2020, New Jerseyans’ net approval of Trump had decreased by 14 percentage points from when he first took office in 2016, finishing his first term with 42% approval and 54% disapproval in the state.

Administration Officials Also Face Scrutiny

Key figures in Trump’s administration are similarly struggling to win public approval. Vice President JD Vance currently holds a 41% approval rating with 49% disapproving, according to the Quinnipiac poll. Secretary of State Marco Rubio fares slightly worse with 39% approval and 40% disapproval.

Perhaps most notable is the public reaction to tech billionaire Elon Musk’s role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The Quinnipiac survey shows 60% of voters disapprove of how Musk and DOGE are handling federal government employees, with 54% believing Musk and his department are actually harming the country rather than helping it.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also faces challenges with a 38% approval rating and 49% disapproval, suggesting widespread skepticism about several of Trump’s most prominent and controversial appointments.

Policy-Specific Ratings Show Concerns

Drilling down into specific policy areas reveals particular vulnerabilities for the administration. On economic policy, traditionally a Republican strength, Trump’s approval sits at just 41% with 54% disapproving in the Quinnipiac poll. The handling of the federal workforce earns only 40% approval, while management of the Russia-Ukraine conflict receives 38% approval.

These numbers come as the administration has implemented significant executive orders and policy changes, including new tariffs, immigration enforcement measures, and federal agency spending cuts. The Department of Education has been a particular focus of budget reductions, raising questions about whether these actions are driving the approval declines.

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Methodology Notes

The Quinnipiac poll, conducted from March 6-10 among 1,198 self-identified registered voters, carries a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points. Other polls referenced use various methodologies and sample sizes, with most gathering responses from U.S. adults nationwide through online surveys.

As the administration approaches its 100-day mark, these approval ratings provide an early indicator of public response to Trump’s second-term agenda, suggesting potential challenges ahead in building broader support for key initiatives.

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