The approval rating of Donald Trump has reached its lowest level of his second term, standing at 37 percent, according to a poll conducted by analytics and advisory firm Gallup from 7 to 21 July 2025. The figure is close to his all-time low of 34 percent recorded in 2021.
Gallup data indicate that the decline is primarily driven by independents, who now show only 29 percent approval. This represents a sharp 17-point decrease since January, marking the same level of independent support observed during the lowest point in his first term.
The poll was conducted through telephone interviews with a random national sample of 1002 adults aged 18 and older. The survey included both landline and cellphone users, carrying a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. Below are the other findings:
• Overall Job Approval: The approval rating of Trump stands at 37 percent, his lowest of the second term and near the all-time low of 34 percent in 2021. This marks a 10-point decline since January 2025.
• Partisan Breakdown: Approval remains near 90 percent among Republicans, while Democrats register just 4 percent. Independent approval has fallen to 29 percent, a 17-point decline, matching their lowest rating during his first term.
• Favorability Ratings: His favorable rating is 41 percent, down from 48 percent in January. Independent favorability fell from 47 percent to 34 percent, reflecting the same downward trend seen in job approval.
• Issue-Based Approval: Across 8 issues, none achieved majority support. Highest ratings were Iran at 42 percent and foreign affairs at 41 percent. Lowest ratings included Ukraine at 33 percent and the federal budget at 29 percent, down 14 points.
• Issue Ratings by Party: Republicans back him on foreign affairs at 93 percent approval, while Democrats no higher than 12 percent on any issue. Approval from independents does not exceed 36 percent.
A historical comparison made by Gallup showed that the second-quarter approval rating of Trump is nearly identical to his 39 percent at the same point in his first term. This is significantly lower than the post-World War II presidential average of 59 percent during the second quarter.
Few presidents in modern history have had comparably weak second-quarter approval. Bill Clinton recorded 44 percent at this stage in 1993, while Richard Nixon posted 44 percent in 1973 amid mounting political challenges. These make the performance of Trump historical.
Timing is also critical. Conducted just after Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4, the poll reflects public reaction to legislation that combines tax cuts with expanded defense, border, and energy spending, alongside reductions in healthcare and nutrition.
Gallup concludes that the approval of Trump remains largely confined to his Republican base. The steep decline in support from Independents has driven his approval rating to a second-term low, placing him again in historically weak standing compared with past presidents.
FURTHER READING AND REFERENCE
- Brenan, M. 24 July 2025. “Independents Drive Trump’s Approval to 37% Second-Term Low.” Gallup. Available online