Trump’s Second-Term Approval Hits New Low Amid Mounting Controversies
Polls Show Public Confidence Waning on Key Issues
Six months into his second term, President Donald Trump is facing a sharp decline in public support. According to a new ActiVote poll conducted from June 1–30, just 45% of American adults approve of his job performance, while 52% disapprove, giving him a net approval of -7—the lowest of this term so far.
Although still higher than his first-term low (a 41% average), the latest numbers underscore a troubling trend for the White House.
Controversy Overload: From Billionaire Feuds to “Alligator Alcatraz”
Trump’s dip in popularity comes on the heels of a series of high-profile and often chaotic moments. His unveiling of the “Big Beautiful Bill” led to a dramatic and public fallout with Elon Musk—culminating in Trump threatening to deport the billionaire tech mogul.
That wasn’t the only headline-grabbing move. Trump’s proposal to deport U.S. citizens under certain immigration policies and his approval of a Florida-based detention facility nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” sparked outrage and disbelief across party lines.
On the global stage, a missile strike on Iranian nuclear sites reignited fears of escalating conflict, while Los Angeles erupted in vi*lent anti-ICE protests, intensifying national polarization.
Swing Voters Begin to Slip Away
Despite holding firm support among core demographics—particularly men, rural voters, and adults aged 50 to 64—Trump appears to be losing ground with independents and swing voters.
A Quinnipiac University poll conducted in late June echoes the ActiVote findings:
- 38% approve of Trump’s overall performance
- 54% disapprove
When it comes to key issues like the economy, immigration, and the Russia-Ukraine w*r, the numbers are equally stark. Just 34% approve of how Trump is handling the war in Ukraine.
Foreign Policy Under Fire
Polling analyst Tim Malloy put it plainly:
“As the Russia-Ukraine war grinds through its third year, Americans make it clear they have little appetite for the way the Trump administration is handling the situation.”
With public confidence slipping and controversies mounting, Trump’s next moves could determine whether he stabilizes—or further sinks—his second-term legacy.