As President Donald Trump’s second term nears its end in 2025, public sentiment has soured significantly. Recent polls show approval ratings dipping to near-historic lows, driven by backlash over handling of Jeffrey Epstein files, aggressive Venezuela policies, persistent economic woes, and hardline immigration enforcement.
Trump’s Approval Ratings Hit Lows in 2025 Amid Epstein, Venezuela, Economy, and Immigration Controversies
Gallup’s end-of-year survey pegs Trump’s approval at 36%—his lowest in either term—with strong partisan divides: 89% among Republicans, but only 3% Democrats and 25% Independents. The Economist/YouGov poll (Dec. 20–22) reports 39% approval and 57% disapproval (net -19). RealClearPolling averages hover around 43% approval and 53% disapproval.
Trump acknowledged the dip, blaming disagreements with his base over foreign worker visas: “So my poll numbers just went down, but with smart people they’ve gone way up.” Gallup notes only 30% view him as honest and trustworthy, and 34% believe he prioritizes Americans’ needs.
Policy-specific net approvals have cratered: immigration from +14 to -6 since March; economy/jobs from +12 to -17; inflation from +6 to -28 (Economist/YouGov). AP-NORC shows economy approval slipping 9 points since March.
Epstein Files Handling Sparks Bipartisan Criticism
Trump’s association with Epstein and the Administration’s incomplete releases have fueled distrust—even among supporters. Economist/YouGov finds 55% overall disapproval of his approach (81% Democrats, 59% Independents). 47% believe he’s covering up crimes; 46% say he was involved (though 80% of MAGA Republicans reject this).
Initial resistance to releases, followed by partial/redacted DOJ disclosures with minimal Trump mentions, drew scrutiny. Trump called it a “Democratic hoax” and denied wrongdoing.
Aggressive Venezuela Policy Divides Public
Trump’s escalation—attacks on cartel boats, oil tanker blockades, and land strike threats—has low support. Economist/YouGov: 31% approve overall approach (49% disapprove); blockade 35% approve (40% disapprove). Only 22% back military force to overthrow Maduro (52% oppose); invasion support at 19% (60% oppose).
Economy and Immigration Fuel Dissatisfaction
Economic confidence is at Gallup’s -33 low, with 70% calling the economy “poor” (AP-NORC). Immigration enforcement—raids and legal pathway restrictions—sees 50% approval, down 10 points since March.
Congress approval sits at 17%, with national direction satisfaction at 24%. As 2025 closes, Trump’s polarizing agenda has eroded broad support, setting a challenging stage for legacy and midterms.
References:
- [1] TIME Magazine. “How Americans Are Feeling About Trump as 2025 Comes to a Close.” December 27, 2025. https://time.com/7342632/trump-approval-ratings-2025-epstein-files-venezuela-economy-immigration/
- [2] Gallup. “Americans End Year in Gloomy Mood.” December 22, 2025. https://news.gallup.com/poll/700241/americans-end-year-gloomy-mood.aspx
- [3] The Economist/YouGov. “Donald Trump’s job approval falls, reversing recent gains.” December 20-22, 2025 Poll.
- [4] The Guardian. Various articles on Epstein files and Venezuela policy. December 2025.
- [5] The New York Times. Coverage of Epstein documents and Venezuela escalation. December 2025.
- [6] AP-NORC and other polls referenced in TIME article. December 2025.
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