Despite Trump’s claims that grocery prices are falling and tariffs will make goods cheaper, voters say they have not felt meaningful relief. While illegal border crossings may be down, reports of U.S. citizens being detained, deported, or killed have intensified criticism of immigration enforcement. Even some Trump voters say they oppose targeting non-criminal immigrants, and stories of people deported to unfamiliar countries have damaged ICE’s public image.
Polls show deep dissatisfaction
So where does public opinion stand?
A January AP-NORC poll found that only four in ten U.S. adults approve of Trump’s performance so far in his second term. As of January 8, 2026, 59% disapproved, while 40% expressed approval.
Economic confidence is even weaker: just 37% approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, with 62% disapproving. Approval for immigration policy stands at 38%, and only 37% support his approach to foreign policy and trade.
A separate New York Times/Siena College poll revealed that nearly half of voters believe they are worse off than they were four years ago, and 64% say Trump has mishandled the cost of living.
Trump has dismissed these surveys as fake and accused pollsters of spreading misinformation on his platform, Truth Social.
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