Gallup: Trump Approval Drops to 37% as Independents Withdraw Support

Gallup Poll Shows Collapse in Independent Support

President Donald Trump’s job approval has fallen to 37%, the lowest of his second term, according to the latest Gallup report released on July 24, 2025. The decline marks a 10-point drop since January and is fueled largely by independents, whose approval has fallen to 29%—matching the lowest level Gallup has recorded for that group across both of Trump’s terms.

The poll report indicates that Republicans continue to show strong support, with nearly 90% approving of Trump’s performance. In contrast, Democrats remain overwhelmingly opposed, with approval ratings in the low single digits.

Policy Agenda Faces Mixed Reactions

The Gallup survey was conducted just after Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law on July 4. The legislation fulfills several second-term goals, including tax cuts for individuals and corporations, and increases in defense and border security spending. However, the law also includes reductions in Medicaid and food assistance programs, which the poll report suggests may be contributing to declining support outside his Republican base.

Low Approval on Major Issues

Trump’s performance on key policy areas remains well below majority approval, as reported by Gallup. He earns his highest marks for his handling of Iran (42%) and foreign affairs (41%). Other areas score even lower: immigration (38%), the economy (37%), Israel-Palestine issues (36%), and foreign trade (36%). His lowest scores are for Ukraine (33%) and the federal budget (29%).

The poll report indicates that Republicans approve of Trump’s handling of these issues at high levels—over 80% across most categories, and 93% on foreign affairs. Meanwhile, Democratic approval never exceeds 12% for any issue. Among independents, approval maxes out at 36% for Iran and drops as low as 19% on the federal budget.

Second-Quarter Averages Echo First-Term Lows

According to Gallup, Trump’s second-quarter average approval rating from April 20 through July 19 stands at 40%. This mirrors his first-term second-quarter average of 39% and falls significantly below the post-WWII presidential average of 59%. Only President Bill Clinton recorded a comparable sub-majority second-quarter average at 44%.

Among two-term presidents, Trump’s numbers compare unfavorably with predecessors. The Gallup report notes that only Richard Nixon’s 44% approval during Watergate comes close. Obama and George W. Bush also struggled in their second-term second quarters, while Reagan, Eisenhower, and Clinton maintained majority-level support during the same phase.

Favorable Rating Declines Across the Board

Trump’s personal favorability also took a hit. As quoted in the Gallup survey, the president’s current favorable rating is 41%, down from 48% in January. While Republicans remain overwhelmingly favorable at 93%, independent favorability has dropped significantly—from 47% to 34%. Democrats’ favorability remains virtually unchanged, sliding slightly from 7% to 4%.

The Bottom Line

As reported by Gallup, President Trump ends his second term’s second quarter with legislative wins but worsening public opinion outside his base. Key concerns around economic management, healthcare funding, and foreign policy continue to shape voter sentiment, especially among independents—an electoral group Trump will likely need to win back ahead of the 2026 midterms.

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