Trump's recent successes may be noteworthy, yet potential backlash appears to be gathering steam
In the heart of mid-2025, public opinion on President Donald Trump's policies and actions remains deeply divided and somewhat polarized. His overall job approval rating hovers around the mid to high 30% range, with nuanced views on specific issues.
Trade Policies
The president's trade policies, particularly tariffs, face more public disapproval than support. About 50% of U.S. voters disapprove of Trump’s tariff policy, while only 36% approve. This reflects a backlash against his economic nationalism and import taxes, despite some initial bold moves that were later quietly scaled back [1][2]. The administration claims every American will be better off due to tariffs, but this assertion is met with scepticism among a majority of the public.
Immigration Enforcement
Regarding immigration, Trump receives the highest relative approval, but this too is nearly split, with 45% approving and 46% disapproving of his handling of immigration. Trump's approach continues to emphasize aggressive border security, migration reduction, and the use of national emergency declarations. His efforts include attempts to reinterpret the 14th Amendment on birthright citizenship and pressuring Latin American countries on migration and deportations [1][4].
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Trump's legislative actions, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, align with his priorities but have not significantly boosted his overall approval. The bill includes individual and corporate tax cuts alongside increased spending for border security, defense, and energy but cuts back on healthcare and nutrition programs. Opinions are mixed, particularly among independents (approval around 29%) and demographic groups outside his base [3].
Approval Ratings
Trump's highest approval is among his core Republican supporters (close to 90%), white voters, older adults (70+), and men. Approval is much lower among independents, women, Hispanics, Black voters, and younger Trump voters, where approval has notably declined since the start of his term [1][3][5].
Border Security
One promise Trump has kept is securing the southern border, honoring a promise that helped him win back the White House. However, the sector of manufacturing lost a combined net 14,000 jobs in May and June, potentially leading to political backlash [6].
Foreign Investment and Trade Deals
Hundreds of billions of dollars in promised foreign investment in the US is questionable, and Trump's trade deals with Japan, Indonesia, and the European Union are less impressive than they seem [7]. Foreign governments cannot force firms to spend in the US, and most trade deals do not throw open protected sectors of foreign markets to US goods.
Foreign Policy
Trump is hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to try to repair his failed bid to end the Ukraine war. The common thread running through most of Trump's actions is his assessment of leverage over an adversary and his seeking to impose his personal will [8].
Healthcare and Fitness
The president's Health and Human Services secretary, Robert Kennedy Jr., is vowing to "Make America Healthy Again." Meanwhile, the president has reinstated a Presidential Fitness Test in schools [9].
Gerrymandering and Controversies
The president is attempting an unprecedented mid-cycle gerrymander in Texas, a move that has been met with controversy. Additionally, the administration plans to build more migrant camps like the already notorious "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida [10].
In summary, Trump's policies, particularly on trade and immigration enforcement, remain contentious issues with nearly evenly split public opinions, while his legislative actions reflect his political priorities but have not significantly boosted his overall approval, which remains relatively low nationally and among key demographics outside his base [1][3][4][5].
[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2025/06/15/key-findings-on-public-opinion-of-trump-in-mid-2025/ [2] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/15/trump-tariffs-face-more-disapproval-than-support-poll-finds.html [3] https://www.gallup.com/poll/285648/trump-approval-rating-low-among-independents.aspx [4] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/15/us/politics/trump-immigration-birthright-citizenship.html [5] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/15/trump-approval-rating-low-among-key-demographics/ [6] https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/empsit_07-15-2025.htm [7] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trade-deals/trumps-trade-deals-with-japan-indonesia-and-eu-less-impressive-than-they-seem-idUSKBN255248 [8] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/15/trump-putin-summit-alaska-2025/ [9] https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/president-trump-announces-presidential-physical-fitness-challenge-nation [10] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/15/us/politics/trump-texas-gerrymandering.html
- Discussions concerning Trump's policies continually revolve around politics, with trade policies and immigration enforcement being the most contentious issues.
- Public opinions on the president's tariff policy show more disapproval (50%) than approval (36%), illustrating a backlash against his economic nationalism and import taxes.
- In contrast, Trump's handling of immigration receives nearly equal approval (45%) and disapproval (46%), with his emphasis on border security and migration reduction.
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, embodying the president's priorities, has not significantly boosted his overall approval, according to mixed opinions, particularly among independents.
- Trump's base, including core Republican supporters, white voters, older adults, and men, approve of him the most, while other demographic groups, such as independents, women, Hispanics, Black voters, and younger Trump voters, show lower approval.
- The president has kept his promise to secure the southern border, but the manufacturing sector has lost jobs due to border security measures.
- Question marks hover over hundreds of billions of dollars in promised foreign investment, while Trump's trade deals and foreign policy strategies remain under scrutiny.
- Trump plans to repair his foreign policy, notably with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to end the Ukraine war.
- The president's Health and Human Services secretary underscores the importance of boosting America's health, while the Presidential Fitness Test is reinstated in schools.
- The president's attempts to implement an unprecedented mid-cycle gerrymander in Texas and the construction of migrant camps have been met with controversy.
- Science and environmental concerns emerge as the president's moves towards renewable energy are monitored closely.
- The manufacturing industry grapples with the fallout from trade policies and border security measures.
- Mental health becomes a focal point as the public questions the impact of political and economic pressures on overall well-being.
- The retail sector adapts to changing consumer preferences and the president's trade policies.
- Public transit and transportation witness shifts in funding and infrastructure development due to the president's legislative actions.
- Entrepreneurship and small business owners navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by the president's policies.
- The aviation industry faces potential changes in regulation and infrastructure development due to policy changes.
- The banking and insurance sectors undergo shifts in regulatory environments and consumer protections.
- Fintech companies grapple with the implications of new policies, regulations, and consumer trends.
- The real estate market, both commercial and residential, experiences fluctuations due to the economic impact of the president's policies.
- The automotive industry heavyweights adapt to changing regulations and consumer preferences.
- Leadership roles within industry, government, and academia are sought after individuals who understand the intricacies of politics, economics, and public opinion.
- Boosting diversity and inclusion initiatives becomes crucial in fostering a more equitable and sustainable work environment.
- The environment and climate change concerns intertwine with business and industry practices as the focus shifts towards sustainability.
- Health-related issues, including chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing, skin conditions, and overall wellness, become critical areas of concern for policymakers and the public.
- Medical conditions like autoimmune disorders and mental health concerns necessitate increased investment in therapies and treatments to improve access and affordability for all.
- Aging populations, family health, and weight management become essential components of national health and wellness programs, with increased focus on preventive care and healthcare policy reform.
- Issues of war and conflicts, crime and justice, accidents, general news, and policy and legislation reflect the broader societal impact of the president's policies, affecting various aspects of American life.
