The Trump approval rating remains one of the most watched political indicators in the United States as the country moves toward the 2026 midterm elections. As of December 9, 2025, former President Donald Trump continues to dominate Republican politics, but national polling shows Americans remain sharply divided over his leadership and political comeback efforts.
Recent surveys reveal that Trump’s approval ratings have stabilized after months of fluctuation, with his strongest support coming from Republican voters and his weakest numbers among independents and Democrats. The mixed results highlight how Trump’s influence continues to shape both his party and the broader political landscape.
Table of Contents
Current Trump Approval Rating (December 2025 Overview)
The latest national polling averages compiled from multiple U.S. outlets, including Gallup, YouGov, and Morning Consult, show the following breakdown as of early December 2025:
| Poll Source | Approval (%) | Disapproval (%) | Date Conducted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallup | 42% | 55% | Dec 1–4, 2025 |
| YouGov / Economist | 43% | 54% | Dec 3–6, 2025 |
| Morning Consult | 45% | 52% | Dec 2–5, 2025 |
| FiveThirtyEight Average | 43.3% | 53.7% | As of Dec 9, 2025 |
Across major polling organizations, Trump’s average approval rating stands at about 43%, with roughly 54% disapproval nationwide. This figure has remained relatively steady over the past three months, suggesting a consistent but polarized view of the former president.
Approval by Party Affiliation
Breaking down Trump’s approval rating by political party offers a clearer picture of his current standing:
| Group | Approval | Disapproval |
|---|---|---|
| Republicans | 84% | 13% |
| Independents | 38% | 58% |
| Democrats | 9% | 89% |
Trump’s support among Republicans remains extremely strong, with more than eight in ten GOP voters viewing him favorably. Among independents, however, his approval has hovered under 40%, reflecting skepticism about his potential return to the White House. Among Democrats, his support remains minimal.
How the Numbers Compare to Earlier in 2025
Throughout 2025, Trump’s approval rating has fluctuated in response to major events — both political and legal.
- January–March 2025: His approval dipped to 40% amid ongoing court proceedings and renewed debate over election-related investigations.
- June 2025: Numbers rebounded slightly following strong showings at rallies and positive economic commentary from conservative voters.
- September 2025: Ratings improved to around 44%, as Trump increased his visibility at campaign events supporting Republican candidates ahead of 2026.
- December 2025: Approval has stabilized at roughly 43%, reflecting consistent Republican loyalty but continued national division.
The stability suggests that Trump’s public image, while controversial, has reached an equilibrium among voters who have long since made up their minds.
Key Factors Influencing Trump’s Approval Rating
Several key factors are driving Trump’s current approval numbers:
1. Economic Sentiment
Many Trump supporters point to his previous term’s economic policies—particularly tax cuts and deregulation—as reasons for their continued approval. Despite inflation and global economic uncertainty, voters who prioritize growth and business confidence remain loyal to him.
2. Legal Challenges
Trump’s ongoing legal battles have drawn significant media attention throughout 2025. While his opponents cite them as disqualifying, his supporters view the investigations as politically motivated, strengthening his appeal within the Republican base.
3. 2026 Midterm Elections
As Trump campaigns for Republican candidates in key states, his approval rating often spikes in regions where he holds rallies. His endorsement power remains a major influence in GOP primaries, particularly in the South and Midwest.
4. Media Coverage
Trump continues to dominate U.S. media headlines across both traditional and digital platforms. His constant visibility helps maintain public engagement—both positive and negative—unlike any other political figure in recent memory.
Regional Breakdown of Trump Approval
Regional polling data shows how sharply divided the United States remains over Trump’s political legacy.
| Region | Approval | Disapproval |
|---|---|---|
| South | 52% | 44% |
| Midwest | 46% | 50% |
| West | 38% | 57% |
| Northeast | 34% | 61% |
Trump remains strongest in the South, where Republican loyalty is deeply rooted, and weakest in the Northeast, where Democratic and moderate voters dominate. These trends have held consistent since his presidency and continue to define the national political map.
Trump’s Approval Compared with Other U.S. Political Figures (2025)
To better understand Trump’s standing, it’s helpful to compare his approval rating with other major American political figures:
| Figure | Approval Rating (Dec 2025) |
|---|---|
| Donald Trump | 43% |
| Joe Biden | 41% |
| Kamala Harris | 39% |
| Ron DeSantis | 44% |
| Nikki Haley | 47% |
While Trump’s national approval rating remains below 50%, it is comparable to other high-profile politicians, indicating that polarization remains a defining feature of U.S. politics rather than a reflection of one individual’s popularity alone.
Approval Among Demographic Groups
Polls show consistent demographic patterns in Trump’s approval ratings:
| Demographic | Approval (%) |
|---|---|
| Men | 48% |
| Women | 38% |
| White Voters | 53% |
| Black Voters | 16% |
| Hispanic Voters | 34% |
| College Graduates | 36% |
| Non-College Voters | 52% |
| Age 18–34 | 33% |
| Age 35–64 | 46% |
| Age 65+ | 49% |
Trump’s strongest support continues to come from older, non-college-educated white voters—particularly men living in rural or suburban areas. Younger voters and college-educated Americans remain the least supportive demographic groups.
Public Perception and Key Issues Driving Opinion
Voter sentiment about Trump’s leadership is shaped by several dominant issues:
Economy
For many Americans, the economy remains the top concern. Trump’s policies during his presidency, including deregulation and trade protectionism, continue to resonate with those who prioritize job growth and lower taxes.
Immigration
Immigration remains a defining political issue. Trump’s “America First” stance and continued advocacy for stricter border control earn high marks from his supporters, while opponents criticize his approach as divisive.
Foreign Policy
Trump’s handling of international relations, including his stance toward China, NATO, and the Middle East, continues to influence opinions. Some view his approach as pragmatic, while others believe it damaged U.S. alliances.
Law and Order
Trump’s emphasis on public safety and law enforcement remains a core part of his appeal. Supporters often cite his tough-on-crime rhetoric as essential for national stability.
Trump’s Social Media Influence
Even after leaving office, Trump’s online presence remains a driving force behind his popularity. His platform, Truth Social, continues to attract millions of users and serves as a central hub for his messaging.
Frequent posts and direct communication with followers allow him to bypass traditional media outlets and maintain direct contact with his base. Analysts note that this level of engagement has kept his approval rating relatively stable, even during challenging news cycles.
How Trump’s Approval Shapes the Republican Party
The Trump approval rating is more than a personal metric—it’s a measure of his continuing influence over the Republican Party.
- A majority of Republican voters identify as “pro-Trump conservatives.”
- Candidates endorsed by Trump often outperform their primary rivals.
- Party fundraising tied to Trump’s brand remains exceptionally strong.
As 2026 approaches, most GOP candidates continue to align themselves closely with his policies and rhetoric, underscoring his dominant role within the party’s identity.
Independent Voters: The Deciding Factor
While Trump maintains strong support among Republicans, his ability to win over independent voters remains uncertain.
Polls show independents are divided but lean negative, with 38% approval and 58% disapproval. Many independents express concern about political polarization, legal controversies, and Trump’s combative communication style.
Whether Trump can regain trust among these voters will play a decisive role in determining his political future beyond 2026.
Comparing Trump’s Approval to His Presidency
During his time in office, Trump’s approval rating averaged 41%, one of the most stable and polarized records in modern political history.
Even now, nearly four years after leaving office, his numbers remain strikingly similar. The consistency suggests that public opinion about Trump has hardened, with few Americans changing their views despite ongoing developments.
Trump’s Approval in Historical Context
For perspective, here’s how Trump’s approval compares to other former presidents at similar points after leaving office:
| Former President | Approval (Approx. 4 Years Post-Office) |
|---|---|
| Barack Obama (2021) | 59% |
| George W. Bush (2013) | 53% |
| Bill Clinton (2004) | 60% |
| Donald Trump (2025) | 43% |
Trump’s approval remains lower than most recent former presidents, but unlike others, he continues to actively campaign and lead within his party—something that keeps his numbers steady and his influence intact.
Economic Outlook and Its Effect on Trump’s Ratings
The performance of the U.S. economy has historically influenced Trump’s approval. In 2025, inflation has eased compared to earlier years, but consumer prices and housing costs remain major voter concerns.
Surveys show that Americans who feel financially secure are more likely to view Trump positively, citing his past focus on growth and trade protection. Those facing economic challenges tend to view his policies less favorably.
Public Sentiment: Polarization and Political Identity
Pollsters across the country describe Trump’s approval rating as a reflection of deep political polarization. For many Americans, opinions about Trump are tied less to specific policies and more to identity and party affiliation.
Supporters see him as a defender of traditional values and national sovereignty. Opponents view him as a divisive figure who undermined democratic norms. This divide shows little sign of narrowing as the 2026 election season approaches.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2026
Trump’s approval rating will play a critical role in shaping Republican momentum during the 2026 midterm elections. If his numbers remain in the mid-40s, GOP candidates may benefit in red-leaning districts while facing challenges in swing states.
Meanwhile, Democrats continue to frame their campaigns around opposition to Trump’s influence, using his approval numbers as both a warning and a motivator for their base.
Final Thoughts
The Trump approval rating remains a defining measure of political division in the United States. As of December 2025, roughly 43% of Americans view him favorably, while a majority continue to disapprove. His influence over the Republican Party is as strong as ever, but winning over independent voters remains his biggest challenge heading into 2026.
What do you think about Trump’s current approval numbers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!