Approval Ratings: Trump’s Inner Circle Tested by Power, Policy and Backlash

Donald Trump’s second term has been nothing short of explosive, marked by sweeping executive orders, deep government cuts and a war on long-standing institutions. With over 100 days behind him, the American public is beginning to pass judgment not just on the president but also on the key figures surrounding him who have made a series of controversial viral appearances so far: Vice President JD Vance, government efficiency leader Elon Musk and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Trump’s Ratings Hold Firm Amid Chaos

Donald Trump remains the most recognisable and polarising figure in American politics. His job approval stands at 46%, up 1% since June and his job disapproval is also 46% but public perception continues to split dramatically along partisan lines. Among Republicans, his approval has risen from 83% to 85%, bolstered by supporters who see his “shock and awe” approach as long overdue. His blitz of executive actions such as defunding agencies, jailing undocumented migrants without trial and pushing new tariffs dubbed “Liberation Day”, have thrilled his base and enraged his opponents.

His personal favourability is now negative however: 42% view him favourably compared to 48% who view him unfavourably. Women (53%), Democrats (85%) and similar to last month, older voters (56% of 65+ year olds) view him less favourably and there is a clear correlation again between age and unfavourability towards Trump.

JD Vance: The Intellectual Attack Dog

Vice President JD Vance has emerged as the ideological force behind Trump’s second-term project to reassert executive dominance. His aggressive viral appearances alongside Trump and his declaration in February that “judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power” have cemented his status as a warrior against judicial constraints and standing up for US interests.

Vance’s approval rating is 42%, with a net positive favourability of +1 (42% favourable vs. 41% unfavourable). Unlike Trump, although the majority of older voters are still unfavourable towards him, Vance is favoured more than Trump across the older generations (42% of 65+ year olds). However, he is still massively unpopular with Democrats (10% favourable) and women (44% unfavourable).

Elon Musk: Chainsaw Economics Not Resonating

Elon Musk who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), tasked with dismantling the administrative state, has slashed dozens of federal agencies, gutted USAID and triggered protests over efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and restrict Social Security benefits.

Public reaction is deeply divided. His approval rating and favourability is 33%, while the majority view him unfavourably (48%). While some admire his radical cost-cutting, others are growing alarmed by the impact on everyday services and institutional stability. The fallout from Musk’s “chainsaw economics” has even spilled into Wall Street, with the S&P 500 down and investor confidence shaken.

The only group where the majority are favourable towards him are Trump supporters (58%), but what is most interesting is that 21% neither favour or unfavour him which suggests that they are sceptical of his role and motivations. A lot will also be questioning Musk’s recent X outburst in which he alluded to Trump being involved with Jeffrey Epstein.

Pam Bondi: Prosecutor Turned Political

Attorney General Pam Bondi has been at the centre of some of the most controversial moves of Trump’s presidency: denying bond hearings to millions of undocumented immigrants, jailing pro-Palestinian student protesters and most explosively, overseeing the opaque handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Bondi’s favourability rating lies at 31%, while her unfavourability sits at 34%, that’s a net of -3. The erosion appears driven by backlash from both left and right. Conservative figures like House Speaker Mike Johnson have publicly challenged Bondi to release Epstein-related documents, a rare break with Trump that reflects broader dissatisfaction among Trump’s base.

Although Bondi remains a loyal Trump operative, her role as the administration’s legal enforcer is drawing scrutiny from moderates and radicals alike. And with pressure building around the Epstein controversy, her public standing could suffer further.

In Trump’s second term, power has been rapidly centralised and so has political exposure. These four figures represent different pillars of that presidency: the populist president, the ideological vice president, the corporate technocrat and the legal hammer. Each has played a visible role in reshaping government, for better or worse.

But as the administration presses forward with sweeping changes, slashing funding to public broadcasters and foreign aid, cracking down on DEI programs and launching a $70bn AI and energy plan, voters are watching closely. Favourability is slipping and the controversies, from immigration to Epstein, are starting to come into play.

Download the data tables for this poll.