Immigration has been another flashpoint. The administration’s hardline approach has drawn intense scrutiny, as has Trump’s continued association with unresolved controversies, including alleged links to the so-called Epstein files, which have yet to be fully released. Taken together, these issues make it difficult for critics to see how Trump’s overall popularity could have significantly improved since his return to office.
Still, Trump has never been one to concede ground in the court of public opinion. His political instincts and ability to project confidence have often allowed him to maintain an image of control, even amid mounting criticism. Whether that image aligns with reality is another matter, and recent polling suggests a more complicated and less flattering picture.
An AP-NORC poll conducted this month offers a snapshot of how Americans currently view Trump’s performance. Rather than reflecting the overwhelming success Trump frequently describes, the results point to a nation that remains deeply divided and, in many cases, dissatisfied. According to the survey, roughly four in ten U.S. adults approve of Trump’s job performance so far in his second term. Notably, this figure has changed little since March 2025, just two months after he returned to the presidency.
