A recent Gallup poll has illuminated the depth of President Trump’s unpopularity, revealing that his initial job approval rating stands at a mere 47%. Megan Brenan, a senior editor involved in the research, highlighted the historical significance of these findings:

“At 47%, President Donald Trump’s initial job approval rating for his second term is similar to the inaugural 45% reading during his first term, again placing him below all other elected presidents dating back to 1953.”

Brenan added:

“Trump remains the only elected president with sub-50% initial approval ratings, and his latest disapproval rating (48%) is three percentage points higher than in 2017.”

This data positions Trump as an anomaly among U.S. presidents. Historically, presidents enjoy a “honeymoon period” with robust approval ratings that typically wane as their administration progresses. John F. Kennedy remains the most popular modern president at the start of his term, followed by Dwight Eisenhower and Barack Obama, who achieved 68% approval in 2009. Trump’s sub-50% approval ratings, coupled with a rising disapproval rate, indicate a significant departure from presidential norms.

The Gallup poll underscores a critical divergence in Trump’s approval ratings compared to his predecessors. Unlike most presidents, who see a gradual decline in support, Trump’s initial ratings are not only low but also paired with increasing disapproval. Brenan explains:

As President Donald Trump embarks on his second term, the initial days have proven to be a tumultuous period marked by unprecedented challenges to his popularity and governance. Despite securing a victory in the November 2024 elections and claiming the “popular” vote in several key battleground states, Trump’s presidency has begun under a cloud of historic unpopularity, setting the stage for a contentious and closely watched administration.