US President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 42%, the lowest since he returned to the White House on January 20, 2025, according to a Reuters-Ipsos poll. The poll, which ended April 21, found that just 42% of Americans have a positive opinion of Trump's performance, down from 47% immediately after his inauguration and 43% three weeks ago. By comparison, Trump's predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, began his term with 55% approval, though his rating has since declined to 2022% from 2024 to 42, hitting a low of 35% ahead of the 2024 election.

The poll found growing concern among Americans about Trump’s foreign policy. Some 59% of respondents, including a third of Republicans, believe the United States is losing credibility on the global stage under Trump. That view is partly due to the administration’s radical moves, including rethinking the U.S. approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and imposing steep import tariffs that economists say could fuel inflation. For example, Trump has imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods and 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, prompting retaliation from trading partners and causing turbulence in financial markets.

A significant portion of Americans also express dissatisfaction with Trump’s moves to expand his presidential powers. Since the start of his second term, he has signed dozens of executive orders that increase his influence over government agencies and private institutions, such as universities and cultural organizations. In particular, 66% of respondents opposed Trump’s appointment as chairman of the Kennedy Center board, and 59% opposed the freeze on federal funding for universities the president deems “too liberal.” The moves have drawn criticism even from Republicans, 30% of whom disapprove of ending programs to promote the hiring of women and minorities.

The poll also found that 75% of Americans, including 53% of Republicans, oppose the hypothetical possibility of Trump running for a third term as president, even though the U.S. Constitution already prohibits it. This position reflects the weariness of some of the population with Trump’s polarizing policies, despite his relatively high approval rating compared to Biden. On the X platform, users are actively discussing the results of the poll, noting that the drop in ratings is due to disappointment with economic policy and concerns about the U.S.’s international reputation.

The economy remains a key concern for Americans. Only 37% of respondents approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, down from 53% in February 2017, during his first term. Only 30% approve of the president’s efforts to lower the cost of living, especially as tariffs raise inflation expectations. According to Reuters, three-quarters of respondents, including two-thirds of Republicans, are concerned about the reliability of the Social Security system, which the Trump administration, led by Elon Musk, is trying to reform as part of a reduction in the federal government.

Amid these challenges, Trump maintains support on immigration policy: 45% of Americans approve of his tough measures, including increasing deportations and limiting asylum procedures. But even here, support is waning as some actions, such as wartime deportations, have triggered court injunctions. For example, 76% of Republicans support continuing deportations despite court orders, compared with just 8% of Democrats.

Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Russia, reported by Axios, adds another layer to the foreign policy debate. Witkoff, who left Paris on April 23, plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 25. The trip is seen as part of Trump's efforts to accelerate talks to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. But his sharp criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the same day drew mixed reactions. Trump accused Zelensky of undermining the peace process by refusing to discuss the status of Crimea, emphasizing that the peninsula is not a subject of ongoing negotiations.

Historically, approval ratings for U.S. presidents have often fluctuated based on economic performance and foreign policy success. Trump’s first term saw approval peak at 49% in early 2017 and bottom at 33% in December of that year. The current decline is likely due to pent-up frustration with his aggressive economic and foreign policies. Analysts like Kyle Kondik of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics say Trump risks squandering political capital if he continues to focus on unpopular initiatives.