Donald Trump, following his recent electoral victory, has witnessed a significant upswing in his public approval rating, reaching a net positive score for the first time since RealClearPolling began tracking his favorability in 2015. This marks a substantial turnaround from his consistently negative ratings throughout much of his first term and subsequent period leading up to the 2024 election. The positive shift, culminating in a +2 rating on December 11th, represents a remarkable improvement from the -12.8 rating he held in June 2024 and signifies a growing acceptance of his second term presidency. Several recent polls, including those conducted by The Economist/YouGov and Morning Consult, corroborate this positive trend, showing Trump with net positive approval ratings. This surge in popularity positions him advantageously as he prepares for his second inauguration, empowering him to pursue his political agenda with renewed public support.
The timing of this rise in approval coincides with Trump’s decisive win in the 2024 presidential election, where he secured 312 Electoral College votes against Kamala Harris’s 226. His victory encompassed a clean sweep of key battleground states, solidifying his mandate and arguably contributing to the positive shift in public opinion. The recent polling data, aggregated by RealClearPolling, reflects a growing positive sentiment towards Trump, suggesting a potential honeymoon period as he embarks on his second term. This newfound public support, coupled with Republican control of Congress and a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, provides a strong platform for Trump to advance his legislative priorities and shape the political landscape in the coming years.
The trajectory of Trump’s approval rating has been marked by considerable fluctuation throughout his political career. Upon announcing his candidacy in 2015, he faced significant public disapproval, with a net negative rating of -39.3 points. While his approval improved following his 2016 election victory, it subsequently declined and remained largely negative throughout his first term, punctuated by events such as the January 6th Capitol riot, which saw his disapproval rating spike. However, more recent events, including what’s described as a narrowly avoided assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, appear to have contributed to a renewed surge in popularity, culminating in the current positive trend.
The dramatic shift in public opinion towards Trump is a complex phenomenon influenced by a multitude of factors, including his electoral success, evolving political narratives, and potentially even the emotional impact of the alleged assassination attempt. The increase in positive sentiment following this incident suggests a possible “rally around the flag” effect, where public support for a leader increases during times of perceived crisis or threat. The subsequent election victory, coupled with this potential boost in sympathy, likely contributed to the consolidation of his support base and an expansion of his appeal to a broader electorate.
The current positive rating marks a turning point in Trump’s public image, contrasting sharply with the persistent negativity he faced during much of his previous term. This improved standing offers him greater political capital and leverage as he navigates his second term. With a more favorable public perception, Trump may find it easier to garner support for his policies, negotiate with political opponents, and maintain control of the Republican party. This newfound popularity also potentially strengthens his position within the party, potentially deterring internal challenges and solidifying his leadership role.
However, despite the positive momentum, the political landscape remains dynamic. Maintaining this level of public approval will be a significant challenge for Trump, requiring careful navigation of policy decisions and effective communication with the American public. Furthermore, the comments by Senator Lisa Murkowski, suggesting pressure on GOP lawmakers to “toe the line” with the Trump administration, hint at potential internal divisions and the challenges of maintaining party unity. The long-term sustainability of Trump’s positive approval rating will depend on his ability to address the country’s complex challenges effectively and maintain the support of a diverse electorate.
