Trump’s Approval Ratings Show Mixed Trends Across Key Issues, Polling Data Reveals

Key Points:

• RCP average shows President Trump’s overall job approval at 47.5% approve vs 50.1% disapprove (Spread: -2.6%).
• Inflation approval hits lowest: only 39.2% approve vs 60.2% disapprove (Spread: -21.0%).
• Foreign policy approval at 43.4% with consistent negative spreads across pollsters.
• Immigration remains Trump’s strongest policy area with a +3.0% approval spread.
• Congress approval remains abysmal with just 29.0% approval and -31.0% net disapproval.

As the 2025 political cycle heats up, President Donald Trump’s job approval ratings reflect a complex and sharply divided national sentiment. According to polling averages compiled by RealClearPolitics, public perception of Trump’s leadership varies widely depending on the specific issue. Consequently, Americans are showing both approval and concern in different areas of governance.

Overall Job Performance: A Divided Nation

The RCP average for Trump’s job approval from May 1 to May 22 shows 47.5% approval and 50.1% disapproval, resulting in a modest -2.6% spread. For example, Rasmussen shows a positive margin (+1). However, other polls such as Daily Kos and YouGov report spreads of -5 and -7, respectively. Therefore, the numbers suggest a polarized electorate with no overwhelming consensus.

Foreign Policy: Consistent Disapproval

Trump’s handling of foreign affairs remains a weak point. The RCP average from April 21 to May 19 shows 43.4% approve and 52.0% disapprove, with a spread of -8.6. In fact, multiple pollsters—including Harris (-8), Marquette (-14), and NPR/PBS (-13)—confirm a persistently negative sentiment in this area.

Inflation: A Major Liability

Among all categories measured, inflation presents the greatest challenge. The RCP average between April 17 and May 19 records a grim 39.2% approval against 60.2% disapproval, with a steep -21.0% spread. For instance, Marquette shows a spread of -32, CNN and CBS News both report -24, and Harris comes in at -14. Clearly, economic pressure remains a key driver of public dissatisfaction.

Immigration: A Bright Spot

In contrast, Trump receives relatively strong marks on immigration. The average from April 25 to May 19 shows 49.7% approval and 46.7% disapproval, producing a positive +3.0% spread. Notably, M. Consult reports a +7 spread, YouGov +5, and Yahoo +3—indicating public support for the president’s immigration policies. Nevertheless, Marquette recorded a tie, which suggests that opinions remain somewhat divided.

Congress and Direction of Country: Low Confidence

Meanwhile, the data also reflect broader dissatisfaction with Washington. Congressional job approval is particularly dismal, with an RCP average of only 29.0% approval and 60.0% disapproval (Spread: -31.0%). Similarly, public opinion on the nation’s trajectory remains negative. Just 43.6% say the country is headed in the right direction, while 50.9% believe it is on the wrong track.

Outlook

As a result, the Trump administration faces an uneven political landscape. The president’s strengths on immigration and his base’s resilience contrast sharply with vulnerabilities in economic perception—especially on inflation. Going forward, these polling trends may influence both strategy and messaging for the White House and GOP allies in Congress.