Less than a month into Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Americans remain deeply divided on his leadership. Forty-one percent believe his administration will improve the federal government. Meanwhile, 42% say it will make things worse, according to PEW Research Centre.
Despite his long-standing political presence, his early executive actions have surprised many. His decisions have either exceeded, met, or fallen short of public expectations.
- 28% say his actions have been better than expected.
- 35% believe they have been worse than anticipated.
- 36% feel his actions align with their expectations.
PARTISAN DIVIDE SHAPES VIEWS ON PRESIDENCY
Political affiliation strongly influences public opinion. Republicans back Donald, while Democrats largely oppose him.
- 67% of Republicans support all or most of Donald’s policies.
- 84% of Democrats reject nearly all of them.
- 76% of Republicans believe Trump will improve government operations.
- 78% of Democrats say he will make things worse.
Republicans show confidence in Donald’s leadership. 53% think his actions have exceeded expectations. 60% of Democrats, nevertheless, believe he has performed worse than they expected.
TRUMP’S APPROVAL RATINGS IN PERSPECTIVE
A Pew Research Center survey (Jan. 27-Feb. 2) finds 47% of Americans approve of the president’s job performance. This marks a higher rating than any point in his first term.
Still, his post-inauguration approval remains lower than most past presidents, except for George W. Bush’s second term.
CONFIDENCE IN TRUMP’S LEADERSHIP AND ETHICS
Public trust in Donald varies across key characteristics. Americans show more confidence in his leadership and mental fitness than in his ethics or decision-making.
Republicans overwhelmingly back Trump:
- Confidence in leadership: High
- Trust in mental fitness: High
- Belief in ethical conduct: Improving (46% in April 2024, now 55%)
- Confidence in adviser selection: Growing (50% in 2024, now 60%)
Democrats, nevertheless, express little to no confidence in these areas.
REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS CLASH OVER COMPROMISE
With Trump and the GOP controlling Congress, 61% of Republicans want Trump to stand firm against Democratic leaders. Only 38% believe he should seek bipartisan solutions.
Democrats prefer resistance over cooperation:
- 70% favor their leaders opposing Trump.
- Few support working with him.
Historically, presidential party members have shown more willingness to compromise. Still, Republicans today resist bipartisanship more than Democrats did under Biden’s presidency.
GOP LOYALTY AND TRUMP’S LONG-TERM PROSPECTS
Most Republicans believe their congressional representatives are not obligated to back Trump if they disagree with him.
- 55% of Republicans say GOP lawmakers can oppose Trump when necessary.
- 46% of Democrats reject all of Trump’s policies.
- 38% of Democrats support only a few of his proposals.
- 67% of Republicans back all or most of his agenda.
Opinions on Trump’s long-term success remain split:
- 35% believe he will succeed as president.
- 34% expect him to fail.
- 31% think it is too early to judge.
At the start of Trump’s first term, more Americans were uncertain about his future success.
SHIFTING SATISFACTION WITH THE STATE OF THE NATION
Republicans feel more optimistic since Trump’s return, while Democrats grow discontent.
- 65% of Republicans feel satisfied with the country’s direction (up from 35% post-election and 10% under Biden).
- Only 12% of Democrats express satisfaction (down from 24% in November and 38% pre-election).
Expectations for 2025 also reveal partisan divides:
- 89% of Republicans believe 2025 will improve over 2024.
- 78% of Democrats think it will worsen.
TRUMP’S CONTROVERSIAL PARDONS AND PUBLIC REACTION
Trump’s pardons for Jan. 6 defendants sparked intense debate.
- 79% of Republicans support pardons for nonviolent offenders.
- 45% back pardons for violent offenders.
- Most Democrats oppose all pardons.
Biden’s pardons of Jan. 6 committee members, staff, and testifying officers also received divided reactions:
- 72% of Democrats approve.
- Only 22% of Republicans support these pardons.
WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR TRUMP’S PRESIDENCY?
The nation remains polarized over Trump’s leadership. His policies continue to drive deep partisan divisions. Republicans largely support his vision, while Democrats reject it.
The coming months will test whether Trump can unite Americans or if partisan conflicts will intensify.