President Donald Trump and his closest allies continue to present his second term as a period of strong momentum. In public appearances, he points to tariff revenues, lower fuel prices, and what he describes as renewed national strength as evidence that his leadership is delivering results. The message from the White House is consistent: the country, in Trump’s view, is once again moving in the right direction.
However, public opinion remains sharply divided. Critics argue that the administration often highlights selective successes while downplaying ongoing challenges. Since returning to office last January, Trump has moved quickly to expand executive authority, a strategy that has energized his supporters but also intensified opposition from political rivals and civil society groups.
Foreign policy and immigration remain central issues shaping the debate. While Trump portrays himself as a stabilizing figure on the global stage, some of his recent statements and proposals have raised concerns among analysts and international partners. Domestically, his strict immigration policies continue to polarize voters, and past controversies surrounding his political career still influence how many Americans assess his leadership.
This division is reflected in recent polling. According to an AP-NORC survey, approximately 40 percent of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s job performance, while about 59 percent disapprove. These figures have remained largely unchanged since the early months of his return to office. Similar trends appear across key policy areas such as the economy, immigration, foreign relations, and trade, where approval remains in the high 30 percent range and disapproval stays above 60 percent.
For now, the data suggest that while President Trump projects confidence and progress, a majority of Americans remain skeptical. That contrast between the administration’s messaging and public sentiment continues to define the political atmosphere of his second term.