Former President Donald Trump is seeing a rapid fall in approval ratings as several recent polls indicate voter dissatisfaction with his current policy decisions, most notably on immigration. While he started his second term with record-high support, that steam is now beginning to run out.
Immigration Ratings Take a Hit
Immigration has been a defining issue of Trump’s political brand. Yet recent polls indicate that support is fading. In one conducted in early May, 47% disapproved of how Trump was managing immigration, while only 46% approved which is a net negative for the first time since he resumed office.
This is at a time of increasing alarm regarding mass deportation measures, such as the deportation of undocumented immigrants without criminal offenses. Over 40% of deportees by mid-February 2025 did not have criminal records, the reports indicate, prompting criticism from immigrant rights groups and lawyers.
Support for Deportation Policies Shrinking
Perhaps most notably, public support for mass deportation dropped. Only 35% of voters now view large-scale removals as a “top priority,” compared to higher levels previously in the year. This decline reflects unease with the administration’s aggressive methods, including sending the National Guard to enforce immigration and reopening large detention facilities.
A Pew survey indicates that although 51% of Americans favor deporting some illegal immigrants, fewer than 10% favor removing those who were brought here as children or who are married to American citizens.
Polls Paint a Mixed Picture
Trump’s approval rating on immigration differs by poll, but overall it’s trending down. The most recent survey held from May 1–5 saw him underwater at 49% approval and 51% disapproval. Another April poll saw his net approval at -6 points on immigration, with 52% saying he’s handling it “very poor.
Comparative figures in March are down from 51% positive ratings to 46% in April, indicating a further slide. Despite a slight recovery in early May, the figures are still well below where they were at the beginning of the year.
Overall Presidential Approval Also Declines
Aside from immigration, Trump’s overall approval rating is also in trouble. Various sources show his approval falling from 56% in January to 48% in May. His disapproval has risen from 37% to 47% over the same period.
One recent survey had Trump at 46% approval and 52% disapproval which is par for several other polls taken during the same week. Even where his approval levels remain stable, his disapproval is creeping up.
Legal Controversies Could Be Driving the Decline
Trump’s sinking approval ratings also align with increasing legal controversies. Among the most visible is the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was identified as a gang member by the administration. Legal filings subsequently suggested the removal was likely an administrative mistake. Critics charge missteps like these reflect inadequate oversight of immigration enforcement under Trump’s policies.
The pushback has reached far beyond immigrant circles. Civil rights activists and some moderates worry about the administration’s sweeping enforcement actions and speedy processing with minimal legal scrutiny.
Comparisons to His First Term and Other Presidents
Trump’s current approval trend is also worse than it was at this same point in his first term. In May 2017, his approval was at 42% with 53% disapproving. Today, although his approval is slightly better at 46%, disapproval is maintaining at about 50%, leaving him with a similar or worse net rating.
For comparison, President Biden was at 54% approval in May of his first year. Historical records SEO indicate other recent presidents, such as Obama, Bush, and Reagan, all did better in their first 100 days in office.
What Comes Next
Trump’s political fate can ride on how he manages these approval ratings. As major policy priorities, international tensions, and economic issues loom ahead, his popularity can easily change drastically over the coming months.
Public sentiment is still dynamic. But Trump currently has to grapple with the challenging position of justifying belligerent policies and attempting to retain the support that propelled him into office.
