President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have soared in the early weeks of his second term, leaving media pundits in disbelief. CNN’s Harry Enten, a senior data analyst for the network, couldn’t hide his astonishment when discussing the latest poll numbers.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Enten exclaimed on CNN’s News Central Monday. “Trump’s approval numbers are not just high—they’re significantly better than they were in his first term.”
According to a new CBS News/YouGov poll, Trump’s approval rating stands at an impressive 53%, a number he never consistently reached in his first term. Even in deep-blue New York, where Trump has historically struggled, his approval has hit 41%, tying his highest recorded rating there.
Delivering on Promises
Americans appear to be responding to a leader who follows through. A striking 70% of respondents now believe Trump is keeping his campaign promises, compared to just 46% in 2017.
“It’s simple,” said former Republican strategist Ed Rollins. “People like a leader who says what he’s going to do and then actually does it. They saw what Biden did—or didn’t do—and they’re backing Trump.”
Key issues driving Trump’s support include:
- Border security: 64% of Americans support his deployment of troops to the southern border.
- Immigration enforcement: 59% approve of his expanded deportation policies.
- Foreign policy: 54% back his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Democrats in Disarray
While Trump solidifies his standing with voters, his political opponents are scrambling. Democrats have struggled to mount an effective counter-message, with many fixating on Trump’s appointment of Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Critics argue Musk has too much influence in government affairs, but the poll suggests the public disagrees—51% support Musk’s role in streamlining federal bureaucracy.
“The Democrats are grasping at straws,” said GOP pollster John McLaughlin. “Americans care about results, not about who Trump appoints to fix Washington’s mess.”
Trump’s Visibility a Stark Contrast to Biden
Unlike President Biden, who largely avoided media scrutiny, Trump is maintaining a hands-on, highly visible approach. He regularly fields questions from reporters aboard Air Force One, speaks directly to the press from the Oval Office, and engages with the public at major events.
His pre-Super Bowl interview with Fox News stood in stark contrast to Biden’s absence—Biden refused to sit down for a network interview in the last two years of his presidency.
This strategy is working. Poll respondents overwhelmingly describe Trump as:
- Tough: 69%
- Energetic: 63%
- Focused: 60%
- Effective: 58%
Challenges Ahead
Despite these strong numbers, Trump still faces hurdles. The poll found that 66% of Americans are concerned that he isn’t prioritizing the rising cost of living. Additionally, 52% oppose his plans to construct large-scale deportation facilities.
One of Trump’s most controversial proposals—his suggestion that the U.S. should take control of the Gaza Strip—has met with skepticism. Only 13% support the idea, while 47% oppose it.
Still, Trump’s early approval ratings indicate a clear shift in public sentiment. Historically, presidents enjoy a honeymoon phase at the start of a new term, but whether Trump can sustain this momentum remains to be seen.
The CBS News/YouGov poll surveyed 2,175 adults between Feb. 5 and Feb. 7, with a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points.
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Nah
Cause some people are as dulutional as the President
It amazes me how blind deaf and dumb people can be.