Fact check: Trumps approval rating

1. Summary of the results

Based on the most recent polling data, Donald Trump's approval rating is currently experiencing a decline. The most current data from June 2025 shows Trump's approval rating at 46.5 percent with 51 percent disapproving, according to RealClearPolitics' polling average, representing a decline from June 3 ^[1]. This downward trend is further confirmed by state-level data showing Trump's approval ratings have dipped underwater in two states he previously won, with his net approval rating above water in only 26 states, down from 29 states in May according to Morning Consult surveys ^[2].

Additional polling data from June 2025 shows varying results, with favorable ratings ranging from 38% to 52% and unfavorable ratings ranging from 46% to 55% across different polls ^[3]. Some sources report Trump's approval rating at approximately 43% ^[4], while others indicate ratings as low as 39% and 41% in multiple national polls, with the president's support dipping below 40% in some surveys ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original query lacks crucial historical context that would help interpret current approval ratings. Trump's average approval rating during his first term (January 2017 to January 2021) was 41.1%, with a high of 49% and a low of 34% ^[6]. This historical data reveals that current ratings around 43-46% are actually within the typical range for Trump's presidency.

Importantly, Trump holds the distinction of being the lowest-rated new president since 1953, and his initial job approval rating for his current term is similar to what it was at the start of his first term ^[6]. This suggests that current approval ratings may reflect established patterns rather than new developments.

The query also omits international perspective, as polling shows that majorities in key U.S. allies have no confidence in Trump ^[4], which could influence domestic approval ratings through media coverage and political discourse.

Political stakeholders who benefit from emphasizing declining approval ratings include Democratic Party leadership, opposition media outlets, and political consultants who profit from negative polling narratives. Conversely, Trump's campaign apparatus, conservative media, and Republican fundraising operations benefit from downplaying or disputing unfavorable polling data.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement "trumps approval rating" is incomplete and lacks specificity, making it susceptible to selective interpretation. Without specifying a time frame, polling methodology, or context, the query allows for cherry-picking of favorable or unfavorable data points.

The statement fails to acknowledge the inherent volatility in approval ratings and doesn't distinguish between different types of polling (likely voter vs. registered voter vs. all adults). Sources indicate there are investigations into pollsters ^[5], suggesting potential concerns about polling methodology and accuracy that the original statement doesn't address.

The lack of context in the original query could enable misleading comparisons without proper historical benchmarking or acknowledgment that Trump's current approval ratings are consistent with his historical performance patterns rather than representing unprecedented decline.