Five months into his second term, President Donald Trump is facing a measurable decline in public approval, according to newly released polling data. The findings reflect a shift in voter sentiment across several major policy areas and suggest growing challenges for the current administration.
National Approval Ratings Show Notable Decline
According to a Quinnipiac University poll conducted between June 5 and June 9, 2025, President Trump’s overall job approval rating stands at 38%, while 54% of respondents expressed disapproval. The survey included 1,265 self-identified registered voters and has a margin of error of ±2.8%. These numbers represent a significant decline from earlier in the year, where post-inauguration enthusiasm had pushed approval levels to 46% in January 2025.
Subsequent monthly polls have recorded a steady decrease:
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February: 45% approval
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March: 42% approval
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April: 41% approval
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June: 38% approval
This trend indicates an erosion of support that spans beyond isolated political events and reflects broader public concern regarding the administration’s policies and leadership approach.
Performance by Policy Area: Key Issues Facing the Administration
The same Quinnipiac poll provides further insight into how the American public evaluates the administration’s handling of critical issues. Several areas that were previously considered strengths for President Trump have now become points of contention among voters.
Immigration Policy
Immigration remains a central issue for the Trump administration. However, public approval of the president’s approach has declined in recent months. The June poll reports that 43% of voters approve of how the administration is managing immigration, while 54% disapprove.
This represents a shift from April figures, which showed a slightly higher approval rate of 45%. The change reflects growing concerns among the public in response to national-level immigration enforcement activities and associated political debates.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ongoing federal efforts to manage border security and internal enforcement include increased deployments of National Guard personnel to assist border operations. Reports from government sources confirm that federal resources have also been directed toward enhancing safety measures for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Despite these efforts, voter confidence in the administration’s immigration policies appears to be weakening. Approval for deportation-related actions specifically stands at 40%, with disapproval at 56%. This suggests a growing portion of the electorate is seeking either a different approach or improved communication from the administration on immigration matters.
Economic Management
Another area under scrutiny is economic policy. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national unemployment rate in May 2025 stood at 4.2%, a slight increase from earlier in the year. While job creation has continued in sectors such as construction and healthcare, inflation concerns and consumer price increases have impacted public perception.
The same Quinnipiac poll notes that 41% of respondents approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, compared to 53% who disapprove. Though economic indicators remain mixed, inflation remains a critical concern for American households, contributing to dissatisfaction.
The U.S. Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions, including recent interest rate adjustments aimed at stabilizing prices, may also be influencing voter sentiment. While the Federal Reserve operates independently, its policy direction can reflect broader economic challenges facing any administration.
Health Care
Health care continues to be a complex issue for federal leadership. Public opinion remains divided over affordability, insurance coverage, and access to care. In the June Quinnipiac poll, 39% of voters approved of the administration’s handling of health care, while 55% disapproved.
Ongoing debates in Congress over proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid funding have kept health care at the center of public attention. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), health care remains one of the top priorities for U.S. voters in 2025, particularly among older adults and individuals with preexisting conditions.
Climate and Environment
Environmental policy is another domain where the Trump administration is encountering criticism. The poll shows 35% approval and 57% disapproval regarding the administration’s handling of climate and environmental issues.
This follows federal policy shifts that rolled back several climate-related regulations established during previous administrations. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), changes in regulatory frameworks have been implemented to prioritize energy independence and reduce administrative burdens on industry, though these decisions have prompted pushback from environmental advocacy groups and some state governments.
Political Implications and Looking Ahead
The data released in June provides a snapshot of public sentiment at a critical juncture in President Trump’s second term. As the administration prepares for the remainder of the year, several takeaways emerge from the latest findings:
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Broad-based Discontent: The polling indicates that dissatisfaction is not limited to one issue area, but spans immigration, the economy, health care, and climate policy.
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Decline Among Key Demographics: While detailed demographic breakdowns were not disclosed in the public release, prior Quinnipiac polls have shown shifts in sentiment among suburban voters, independent voters, and younger age groups.
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Electoral Strategy: With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, approval ratings could influence congressional dynamics and motivate both parties to adjust their campaign strategies accordingly.
Methodological Notes
The Quinnipiac University poll used a randomized sampling method to reach registered voters via telephone interviews. The margin of error of ±2.8% ensures a reasonable level of confidence in the representativeness of the results, although individual issue-specific responses may vary slightly.
All data referenced in this article is drawn from:
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Quinnipiac University Polling Institute (poll.qu.edu)
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (epa.gov)
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Kaiser Family Foundation (kff.org)
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security (dhs.gov)
Conclusion
President Trump’s approval ratings at the five-month mark of his second term reflect growing concern among American voters across multiple policy areas. While the administration continues to advocate for its legislative and executive agenda, public sentiment—as measured by reputable polling institutions—suggests a need for recalibration and broader engagement with key constituencies.
As the national political landscape evolves, future polling data will offer further insights into how these approval trends develop over time and how they may affect legislative priorities and electoral outcomes.
