President Donald Trump’s job approval rating has dropped to its lowest level of his second term, according to a new Gallup survey that also shows declining support among Republicans and independents.
The Gallup poll, conducted between November 3 and 25, reports that just 36% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance in office, down sharply from 41% in October. The figure is close to his all-time low of 34% recorded in early 2021 following the January 6 Capitol riots. Prior to this, his weakest second-term rating stood at 37% in July.
Notably, Trump’s support has softened across all major political groups. Among Republicans, approval slipped to 84%, the lowest GOP backing he has seen this term and down from 91% last month. Independent voters showed an even steeper decline, with approval falling from 33% to 25%. Democratic approval dropped further to just 3%, compared with 6% in October.
Public Discontent Reflected Across Key Poll Averages
Other national polling trends confirm the downward movement. RealClearPolitics’ poll average shows Trump’s approval fell to about 42.3% in mid-November, coinciding with the end of the prolonged government shutdown and renewed attention on the Jeffrey Epstein files. The average has since edged slightly higher to around 42.7%, but remains well below earlier levels.
The New York Times polling average paints a similar picture, showing Trump’s approval falling to about 41%, a significant drop from the 52% approval he enjoyed in January.
At the same time, Trump’s disapproval rating climbed to 60%, up from 54% in October, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction.
Economy, Immigration, and Foreign Policy Drag on Ratings
Analysts point to persistent inflation and high living costs as major contributors to the decline. Additionally, the administration’s aggressive domestic security posture—including the repeated deployment of National Guard troops in U.S. cities—has drawn mixed reactions.
On the international front, Trump’s handling of key global conflicts appears to be affecting public confidence. Gallup data show his approval has dropped:
- 12 points on the federal budget since March
- 10 points on the Ukraine conflict
- 9 points on immigration since February
- 7 points on Middle East policy
- 6 points on the economy
The poll was completed just one day before a fatal ambush targeting members of the West Virginia National Guard in Washington, D.C., in which Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was killed, further intensifying national debate over security and public safety.
Signs of Fractures Among MAGA Voters
Some voters who previously supported Trump now say they are reconsidering. Gray Holland, a 24-year-old Republican from Birmingham, Alabama, said rising prices and unresolved issues surrounding the Epstein investigation have weakened his confidence.
“We were promised America-first policies,” Holland said. “But I haven’t seen enough focus on what’s happening on our own soil.”
However, not all former supporters have turned away. Justin Fernandez, a 66-year-old Ohio resident who identifies as a registered Democrat but regularly votes Republican, continues to back Trump despite reservations about his online behavior.
“I don’t agree with everything he does, but he’s willing to try new ideas,” Fernandez said. “Every president succeeds in some areas and fails in others.”
An Uncertain Path Ahead
The latest numbers suggest that Trump’s political footing is weakening at a critical point in his second term. With approval slipping among core Republican voters and independents drifting away, the administration faces growing pressure to deliver tangible economic relief and clearer results on both domestic and international fronts.
