Donald Trump’s return to the White House has unfolded with a speed and intensity that few modern presidencies have matched, and yet, despite the turbulence that has marked his opening weeks, his approval ratings have remained unexpectedly durable. From mass firings of federal employees to sudden policy reversals and renewed global trade conflicts, the second Trump administration has moved quickly to reshape the federal government and reassert its ideological priorities. Rising food prices, particularly the spike in egg costs that has become a symbolic marker of everyday economic strain, combined with a volatile stock market, have added to a sense of instability for many Americans. Critics describe the opening chapter of this term as chaotic and disruptive, while supporters praise it as decisive and long overdue. What stands out most, however, is that public opinion has not collapsed under the weight of these controversies. Instead, Trump’s approval ratings have hovered near the upper end of the range he experienced during his first presidency, suggesting that voter attitudes toward him have hardened into something less reactive and more entrenched than in years past.

Central to this early period has been Trump’s aggressive push to reorient economic and trade policy, most notably through the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on imported steel and aluminum. Framed by the administration as a necessary step to protect American industry and correct long-standing trade imbalances, the tariffs immediately reignited tensions with key allies. Canada and several European nations responded with billions of dollars in retaliatory measures, raising fears of a broader tariff war that could reverberate through global supply chains. Businesses dependent on imported materials warned of rising costs, while exporters braced for lost markets abroad. Financial markets reacted nervously, contributing to sharp swings that unsettled investors and retirement savers alike. Yet for many of Trump’s supporters, these disruptions were viewed as the inevitable price of confronting what they see as an unfair global trading system. Polling suggests that while tariffs remain one of Trump’s weakest policy areas in terms of overall approval, they have not significantly dented his core support, reinforcing the idea that economic nationalism remains a powerful, if polarizing, force in American politics.

Beyond trade, Trump has used the early weeks of his second term to pursue sweeping changes across the federal government. Large-scale layoffs and budget cuts have targeted agencies long criticized by conservatives as bloated or ideologically hostile, while diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have been rolled back in government offices and schools. In a high-profile address to Congress, Trump described his presidency as getting off to a “swift and unrelenting” start, defending these moves as essential to restoring efficiency, merit, and traditional values. Opponents argue that the cuts risk undermining critical services and weakening institutional expertise, while the elimination of diversity programs has sparked fierce debate over civil rights, representation, and the role of government in addressing inequality. These cultural and administrative battles have intensified partisan divisions, but they have also energized Trump’s base, which sees these actions as fulfillment of long-standing campaign promises rather than reckless experimentation.

Immigration has once again emerged as one of Trump’s strongest issues with voters, reflecting a continuity that spans both of his terms. Renewed crackdowns at the border, stricter asylum policies, and an emphasis on enforcement have resonated with Americans who view immigration as a defining test of national sovereignty and security. Polling consistently shows that Trump receives higher approval for his handling of immigration than for most other aspects of his presidency, even as critics warn of humanitarian consequences and legal challenges. This relative strength has helped offset weaker numbers on economic management and trade, contributing to an overall approval rating that remains competitive despite mounting criticism. It also underscores how immigration functions as a central organizing issue for Trump’s political identity, one capable of sustaining support even when other policies generate widespread unease.

The broader polling landscape reveals a nation deeply divided but also strikingly consistent in its views. Surveys from multiple organizations show Trump’s approval hovering in the mid-to-high 40 percent range, higher than his average during his first term and, at comparable points, stronger than ratings recorded by his immediate predecessor. Disapproval remains substantial, often exceeding approval by several points, but the gap has not widened dramatically in response to early controversies. On issue-specific questions, voters express mixed feelings: cautious approval of immigration policy, near-even splits on the federal budget and the economy, and clear skepticism toward tariffs. At the same time, dissatisfaction with Congress remains pronounced, suggesting that institutional distrust extends well beyond the presidency itself. Even figures within Trump’s own administration, including Vice President JD Vance, face their own approval challenges, highlighting the complex dynamics within the governing coalition.

Taken together, these trends suggest that Trump’s second-term popularity is less about broad persuasion and more about resilience within a polarized electorate. The early months have not produced a surge of goodwill, but neither have they triggered a collapse in support, even as economic anxiety and international friction intensify. For supporters, Trump’s willingness to confront allies, dismantle entrenched bureaucracies, and challenge cultural norms reinforces his image as a fighter unwilling to compromise. For opponents, the same actions confirm fears of instability and long-term damage. As tariff wars evolve, markets fluctuate, and policy battles continue, future polls will test whether this equilibrium can hold. For now, Trump’s approval ratings reflect a political climate in which opinions are firmly set, reactions are muted by familiarity, and the presidency unfolds against a backdrop of enduring division rather than sudden transformation.