Donald Trump’s public approval rating dips: Reuters/Ipsos poll

As of 21 April 2025, US President Donald Trump's approval rating has declined to 42 per cent, marking the lowest point since the commencement of his second term in January. This represents a decrease from 47 per cent immediately after his inauguration and a slight drop from 43 per cent recorded three weeks prior, the Reuters reported.​

The Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that this decline is largely attributed to public apprehension regarding Trump's expansion of executive authority.

Notable actions contributing to this sentiment include his directive to withhold federal funding from universities over ideological disagreements and his appointment of himself as head of the Kennedy Center.

A significant majority of respondents (83 per cent) believe the president should adhere to federal court rulings, and 57 per cent disapprove of withholding university funds based on ideological grounds.

Additionally, 66 per cent of those surveyed oppose presidential control over cultural institutions like national museums, reflecting concerns over Trump's directive to remove "improper" ideology from the Smithsonian.

Furthermore, 59 per cent perceive that the US is losing global credibility, and 75 per cent oppose the idea of Trump pursuing a third term, despite constitutional prohibitions.

The poll also highlights that criticism of Trump's performance surpasses approval across key issues, including immigration, inflation, taxation, and adherence to the rule of law. Notably, even on immigration — traditionally one of his stronger areas — 46 per cent disapprove of his handling.

According to the report, while Trump's current approval rating has dipped to 42 per cent, it still remains "largely higher" than Joe Biden’s average ratings during his presidency, which often hovered in the mid-30s to low 40s range.

However, the decline in Trump’s ratings — particularly in the context of his controversial moves to expand executive authority — signals growing unease among the Americans.

While Trump maintains strong support among his base, the dip in approval suggests that independent voters and moderates may be growing wary of the direction of his second term.