President Donald Trump is facing growing challenges as he enters his 11th week in office, with his approval ratings slipping despite a flurry of executive actions and bold policy decisions. Once riding high with his base, the president’s recent moves—particularly his controversial tariff policies—are starting to sour his image. With his approval rating hovering at 43% and his disapproval climbing to 53%, Trump’s second term is shaping up to be more tumultuous than anticipated.
After signing an unprecedented 111 executive orders since his January inauguration, Trump has pushed forward with sweeping reforms that have reshaped government policies and the federal workforce. However, while Trump touts his executive dominance, the public’s opinion on his leadership is showing signs of strain. According to the latest Reuters/Ipsos survey, only 37% of Americans approve of his handling of the economy, with the numbers even worse on inflation-related issues. A separate Wall Street Journal poll paints a similarly bleak picture, with 44% approval for his economic performance, leaving him underwater on one of the most crucial issues of his presidency.
The main sticking point? Trump’s tariffs, which have sparked a trade war with the U.S.’s key trading partners and sent financial markets into a tailspin. While Trump defended his actions as necessary “medicine” to cure economic issues, many Americans are not buying it. Political experts, like Daron Shaw from the University of Texas, warn that the president is struggling to convince the public that his tariff strategy will lead to long-term benefits.
Despite these challenges, there’s a silver lining for Trump. His handling of immigration and border security remains strong, with some surveys even showing positive approval. However, Shaw notes that Trump’s success in this area has paradoxically diminished its relevance in voters’ minds, as it is no longer the hot-button issue it once was.
Trump’s approval numbers may be down from the high points of his early second term, but they still outperform the lows he faced during his first presidency. With his base solidly behind him, Trump is far from losing control—but the road ahead could be bumpier than he expected.
