Trouble in MAGA paradise as Donald Trump's poll numbers nosedive amid second term chaos
Washington D.C.: As President Donald Trump approaches the 100-day milestone of his second term, a new Fox News survey reveals a sharply divided public, with voters praising his handling of border security while expressing widespread dissatisfaction on key issues like inflation and the economy.
Trump’s strongest approval comes on border security, with 55% of voters in support — his only issue with a net-positive rating. On immigration, he garners 47% approval, the highest ever recorded for him on that issue, but 48% still disapprove. Meanwhile, only 38% approve of his handling of the economy, and just 33% back his approach to inflation, marking his lowest rating overall. Tariffs (33% approval), foreign policy (40%), taxes (38%), and gun policy (41%) also show more disapproval than support.
His overall job approval stands at 44%, a 5-point drop since March and lower than the 100-day ratings of his predecessors Joe Biden (54%), Barack Obama (62%), and George W. Bush (63%). It also falls short of Trump’s own approval at the same point in his first term (45%).
The mood in the country remains bleak, with 59% of voters dissatisfied with the nation’s direction — an improvement from 68% at the end of Biden’s presidency, but worse than during Trump’s first term. While Republican satisfaction has increased, Democratic optimism has declined, and Independents remain skeptical.
Concerns about the economy are widespread, with 71% rating current conditions as poor and 55% saying things are getting worse for their families. Just 28% feel the economy is improving, and more voters believe Trump’s policies are hurting the economy than helping it (51% vs. 40%).
Inflation continues to weigh heavily, with 82% expressing deep concern — though this marks the lowest level since September 2021. Voters are also worried about political division (78%), health care (76%), government spending (73%), and a potential recession (72%). Immigration ranks lower, with 66% concerned, followed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions (66%), the war in Ukraine (61%), and the stock market (58%).
Party lines define these concerns: Democrats prioritize inflation, recession, and health care, while Republicans focus on immigration and government spending. Tariffs remain unpopular across the board, with 72% believing they raise consumer costs and 55% saying they harm the economy. A plurality believe tariffs also hurt US jobs, and two-thirds fear a trade war with China could escalate into military conflict.
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Trust in Trump’s leadership is divided. A slim majority (52%) say his administration has not been "competent and effective"—unchanged since 2017. Court challenges to Trump’s policies have support, with 58% agreeing judges are upholding constitutional checks and balances, while only 33% believe they’re overstepping their authority.
Importantly, enthusiasm for Trump’s success is waning. Just 62% of voters say they want him to succeed, down sharply from 80% eight years ago. Support remains high among Republicans, but has dropped significantly among Democrats and Independents.