Washington, D.C. — May 7, 2025
After months of stagnation and declining numbers, former President Donald Trump’s approval rating has taken a surprising upward turn, according to several new national polls released this week. The shift comes as the 2024 election cycle recedes and public focus sharpens on economic performance, immigration policies, and foreign affairs.
A recent Gallup poll shows Trump’s approval rating rising from 39% in February to 46% in early May, marking a 7-point jump — his highest since mid-2023. Similarly, a Rasmussen survey places his approval among likely voters at 48%, a notable increase amid a polarized political climate.
What’s Driving the Shift?
Analysts point to several key factors behind the changing tide:
- Economic Concerns: With inflationary pressures persisting and economic uncertainty lingering, many Americans are expressing nostalgia for what they perceive as stronger economic conditions during Trump’s presidency. His recent speeches emphasizing energy independence and deregulation have resonated with working-class voters and small business owners.
- Border Security Focus: As immigration remains a flashpoint in American politics, Trump’s hardline stance is regaining traction among conservative and centrist voters alike. His recent visits to the U.S.-Mexico border, accompanied by Republican governors, have helped refocus public attention on the issue.
- International Tensions: With global instability on the rise — including new flare-ups in the Middle East and growing friction with China — Trump’s “America First” foreign policy is gaining renewed interest among those skeptical of U.S. involvement abroad.
- Media Visibility: Trump’s increased presence in media interviews and campaign-style rallies has reignited enthusiasm among his base and reasserted his dominance in the Republican field, even as several GOP contenders prepare for potential primaries.
A Divided Electorate
Despite the rebound, Trump remains a deeply polarizing figure. His approval among Democrats remains below 10%, and among independents, opinions are mixed — though he has gained 5 percentage points in that demographic since January.
Political scientist Dr. Elaine Morales of Georgetown University notes, “Trump’s rising approval doesn’t necessarily mean a broader shift in national unity — it reflects a recalibration of voter priorities, especially on security and the economy.”
Implications for 2026 and Beyond
With rumors swirling about a potential presidential run in 2028 or a major political endorsement campaign for congressional candidates in 2026, Trump’s improved standing could reshape Republican strategies nationwide. Several conservative PACs have already begun using the latest poll numbers in fundraising efforts.
Still, critics caution that approval ratings are volatile and can change rapidly depending on news cycles, legal developments, and global events. Trump currently faces multiple ongoing investigations, and public opinion could shift again depending on their outcomes.
The Road Ahead
As Trump prepares for a summer tour of key swing states, his team is framing the narrative around a political “comeback.” Whether this upward trend in approval is a temporary spike or the beginning of sustained momentum remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: Donald Trump is once again at the center of American political discourse — and his approval numbers are proving to be as unpredictable as the man himself.
