Approval Ratings in a Divided Nation: Trump’s Polarising Presidency

Eight months into his second term, Donald Trump has governed at breakneck speed. Over 200 executive orders, mass immigration crackdowns, the DOGE downsizing of federal agencies and a turbulent tariff agenda have reshaped Washington. New polling shows how the public is reacting: Republicans remain loyal and Democrats overwhelmingly hostile. The result is a presidency defined by sharp polarisation and judged more on outcomes than rhetoric.

Overall Job Approval: Divided but Intense

Trump’s job approval in September stands at 45% with 26% strongly and 19% somewhat approving, down a single point from July. Just 2% of Americans are undecided, underscoring how entrenched opinion has become.

Among Republicans, a majority of 51% strongly approve, unchanged since July. Among Democrats, 65% strongly disapprove, though this is an 8-point drop from July’s peak of opposition. The result is a country still split but with slightly less intensity on the Democratic side.

31% of men strongly approve of Trump’s presidency, compared to just 22% of women. Women are also more likely to be firmly opposed, with 37% strongly disapproving versus 28% of men.

Age splits sharpen the divide further. The only group to give Trump net approval are 35–44-year-olds, 54% of whom back him. Younger voters, aged 18–24, disapprove by 53% to 40%, while older voters aged 55–64 are even more negative, disapproving by 61% to 43%. Trump’s strongest support comes from Americans in the middle-age bracket, while both the youngest and the oldest remain his weakest constituencies.

Foreign Policy and the Alaska Summit

Trump’s conduct at the August U.S.–Russia summit in Alaska won him narrow approval: 49% backed his performance (26% strongly, 23% somewhat), while 39% disapproved (27% strongly). Men were more favourable (34% strongly approved versus 19% of women), while women were more likely to strongly disapprove (30% vs 23% of men). Age splits again showed Trump’s relative strength with younger cohorts, 26% of 18–24-year-olds strongly approved, compared to just 17% of over-65s.

On substance, however, his suggestion that Ukraine concede territory to Russia proved far more divisive. Overall, 42% supported the idea, while 48% opposed it. Opposition was strongest among younger Americans: 55% of 18–24-year-olds compared to 44% of 45–54-year-olds disagreed but those aged 65+ had the highest disapproval at 58%. Once again, the parties were split with 73% of Republicans showing support and 79% of Democrats showing opposition.

Law and Order: Necessary or Abuse of Power?

Trump’s extraordinary federal takeover of law enforcement in Washington, D.C. divided public opinion. A third of respondents (33%) called it necessary to reduce crime, while 38% said it was an abuse of power. Gender divisions were clear: 38% of men supported the takeover compared with 28% of women, who were more likely to see it as an overreach. Younger voters (25–34) leaned against it with 26% calling it an abuse, while opposition spiked among the over-65s at 46%.

On the deployment of the National Guard, Trump fared slightly better. Overall, 48% supported the move (29% strongly), while 45% opposed (32% strongly). Support was highest among Republicans (56% strongly supportive) and among men (34% strongly supportive vs 24% of women). Among Democrats, 62% strongly opposed. Younger voters were more divided: 22% of 18–24-year-olds strongly supported the Guard’s deployment compared to 33% of those aged 65+.

Trade and Tariffs: Splitting Along Party and Gender Lines

Trump’s push for new tariffs on Chinese imports split the country almost evenly: 48% approved, 44% disapproved. Support was higher among men (33% strongly approved) than women (19%). By age, the 25–34 cohort was most supportive (31% strongly approved), while approval fell among the over-65s (24%).

The deeper worry lies in tariffs’ economic effects. A 43% plurality said tariffs will raise consumer prices, while just 21% said they will strengthen the economy. Women were far more sceptical, 46% expect price rises compared to 39% of men. Younger voters (18–24) were more evenly divided, while older groups leaned heavily toward seeing tariffs as harmful.

When asked about Trump’s ability to negotiate trade deals with China, the EU and Mexico, 51% expressed trust (28% strongly), while 42% expressed distrust (28% strongly). Again, gender mattered: 35% of men strongly trusted Trump compared to just 21% of women.

Foreign Policy and National Security

On whether Trump’s foreign policy makes the U.S. safer or more at risk, the country was again, almost evenly split: 46% said safer, 43% at risk. Republicans overwhelmingly chose “much safer” (48%), while Democrats leaned “much more at risk” (47%). Younger voters tilted safer, with 22% of 18–24-year-olds saying “much safer,” while older voters were more sceptical, 29% of those over 65 opted for “much more at risk”.

Trump’s second term remains sharply polarised. His approval is stable at mid-40s but deeply entrenched, Republicans strongly supportive, Democrats firmly opposed, with gender and age driving the gaps. Men and middle-aged voters lean toward him; women, younger and older Americans are more sceptical.

On foreign policy, tariffs and law-and-order, the pattern repeats: his base sees strength and protection, while opponents see volatility, cost and overreach. In 2025, Trump is judged less by rhetoric than by results but always through a partisan lens, with little middle ground left.

Download the data tables for this poll.