Key Takeaways
- President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have continued to decline, with 36% approval and 59% disapproval in December.
- Trump’s approval ratings are lower than those of recent presidents, including George W. Bush, who had higher ratings following the September 11 attacks.
- The unemployment rate has risen to 4.6%, its highest level since 2021, with contributing factors including difficulty finding new jobs and federal workforce job cuts.
- The national debt has increased by $2.2 trillion, or nearly 6%, during Trump’s first year, which can slow economic growth and cause higher interest rates.
- Trump signed a record 225 executive orders in 2025, dealing with foreign policy, tariffs, foreign trade, immigration, and the federal workforce.
Introduction to Trump’s Second Term
President Donald Trump began his second term in office on January 5, 2026, amidst a divided nation and declining polling numbers. According to Gallup, 47% of those surveyed approved of him in January 2025, while 48% disapproved. However, these numbers have continued to widen, even before Trump’s controversial capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro on January 3. The Trump administration’s contentious agenda, including strict immigration action, deployment of National Guard soldiers to U.S. cities, and tariffs affecting prices across the country, has likely contributed to the decline in approval ratings.
Trump’s Approval Ratings in Comparison
As Trump enters the second year of his second term, it is interesting to compare his approval ratings to those of past presidencies. Typically, presidents enjoy high "honeymoon" approval scores early in their terms. However, Trump’s approval ratings for his first years in office are below those of recent presidents. For example, President George W. Bush’s ratings were higher following the September 11, 2001, attacks. The decline in Trump’s approval ratings can be attributed to various factors, including his administration’s policies and actions, which have been met with controversy and criticism.
Economic Indicators
The economy has also been a significant concern during Trump’s presidency. The unemployment rate has risen to 4.6% in November, its highest level since 2021. Contributing factors include difficulty for many in finding new jobs and the lingering effects of 317,000 job cuts in the federal workforce. Furthermore, the national debt has increased significantly during Trump’s first year, going from $36.2 trillion to $38.4 trillion, an increase of $2.2 trillion or nearly 6%. This increase is the largest recent accumulation of debt outside of the pandemic and can have serious consequences, including slowing economic growth and causing higher interest rates, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
Executive Orders and Government Shutdowns
Trump has also been active in issuing executive orders, signing 225 during 2025, a record over the past 56 fiscal years. About 59 orders dealt with foreign policy, while others concerned tariffs, foreign trade, immigration, and the federal workforce. In comparison, President Franklin Roosevelt issued 568 executive orders in 1933, the fourth year of the Great Depression. Additionally, the 43-day closure of the federal government was the longest single shutdown in U.S. history, likely derailing growth and hiring, according to USA TODAY. The second-longest shutdown, 35 days, took place during Trump’s administration in 2019.
Conclusion
In conclusion, President Trump’s second term has begun with a divided nation and declining approval ratings. The economy has also been a concern, with rising unemployment and a significant increase in the national debt. Trump’s administration has been active in issuing executive orders and has been involved in record-breaking government shutdowns. As the country moves forward, it will be interesting to see how Trump’s presidency continues to shape the nation and its economy. The comparison to past presidencies highlights the challenges and controversies that Trump has faced, and it remains to be seen how his administration will address these issues in the coming years.
