President Donald Trump’s approval ratings at the start of his second term are closely tracking those of former President Barack Obama during the same period. Recent polls show a notable rebound from Trump’s first-term conclusion, with at least three surveys reporting an uptick in approval.
Interestingly, Trump’s policies are polling even higher than his personal favorability. “His policies are more popular than he is,” said Mark Mitchell of Rasmussen Reports, while Mark Penn of the Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll added, “He’s got room to grow it.”
A Big Data Poll reports Trump with a 48% approval and 51% favorability rating. Though slightly down from 55% at the beginning of his second term, analysts say he is well-positioned to climb again, particularly with potential wins like a new trade deal with the U.K.
Pollster Rich Baris noted that if economic concerns ease, Trump’s approval could rise sharply. Rasmussen’s daily tracking shows his ratings aligning closely with Obama’s at this stage, with potential to surpass them.
Policy-driven support may help Trump overcome partisan divides. Penn observed that while 51% approve of his immigration efforts, up to 70% back the policies when Trump’s name isn’t mentioned—a sign he could reach 55–60% approval with key victories.