Fri Jan 09 07:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Trump’s Second Term Approval Ratings Plummet Amid Contentious Policies and Economic Concerns

The Story:
President Donald Trump is facing significantly declining approval ratings early in his second term, marked by controversial policies and mounting economic anxieties. A January 2025 Gallup poll showed a near-even split in approval (47%) and disapproval (48%), but by December 2025, his approval rating had plummeted to 36%, with 59% disapproving. This decline coincides with the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, strict immigration policies, deployment of National Guard soldiers, and tariffs impacting prices. The rising national debt, a lengthy government shutdown, and increasing unemployment are also contributing to public discontent.

Key Points:

  • Approval Rating Decline: Trump’s approval rating fell from 47% in January 2025 to 36% in December 2025.
  • Venezuela Capture: The controversial capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro on January 3rd.
  • Contentious Policies: Implementation of strict immigration measures, deployment of National Guard, and imposition of tariffs.
  • Economic Concerns: Unemployment rose to 4.6% in November 2025, and the national debt increased by $2.2 trillion in one year.
  • Executive Orders: Trump signed a record 225 executive orders in 2025, surpassing recent presidents.
  • Government Shutdown: A 43-day federal government shutdown further damaged economic growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump’s second term is off to a rocky start, marked by low approval ratings compared to historical precedents.
  • Controversial policies, both domestic and foreign, appear to be alienating a significant portion of the electorate.
  • Economic concerns, including rising debt and unemployment, are exacerbating the negative perception of the administration.
  • The high number of executive orders suggests an administration relying heavily on unilateral action, potentially bypassing legislative consensus.
  • The government shutdown further eroded public trust and negatively impacted economic growth.

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