By Jolomi Igiehon
Introduction – The Rise and Reversal of a Polarizing Figure
Donald J. Trump’s entrance into the political scene in 2015 was unlike any in modern American history. A real estate mogul and reality television star, Trump’s blunt rhetoric, anti-establishment platform, and “America First” doctrine propelled him to the White House in 2016. His presidency, however, was marked by sharp division, unorthodox governance, and frequent controversies. While he retained a core base of fervent supporters, Trump’s overall approval ratings fluctuated dramatically, often dipping during major political crises or global incidents.
As of 2025, Trump remains a prominent figure in U.S. politics, but a comprehensive review of polling data, public opinion surveys, and international sentiment shows a significant and sustained drop in his approval both domestically and globally. This write-up explores the evolution of Trump’s popularity, the key events that triggered its decline, and how he is currently perceived in the U.S. and around the world.
The U.S. Perspective – Approval at Home
Initial Approval and Polarization
Upon assuming office in January 2017, Trump’s approval rating stood at around 45%, according to Gallup. However, his numbers quickly diverged along partisan lines, with Republicans expressing overwhelming support while Democrats and Independents registered historically low approval. Unlike previous presidents, Trump never achieved majority approval across the general public, reflecting deep polarization from the outset.
Key Moments of Decline
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The Charlottesville Controversy (2017) – Trump’s response to the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he said there were “very fine people on both sides,” led to a significant backlash. His approval dipped as many Americans viewed his comments as an endorsement of racism.
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Impeachment Proceedings (2019 & 2021) – Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first over the Ukraine scandal and later for incitement of insurrection after the January 6 Capitol riot. These events further eroded trust in his leadership among moderates and independents.
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COVID-19 Pandemic Response (2020) – Perhaps the most damaging to his approval rating was his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics pointed to misinformation, delayed responses, and the politicization of public health measures as factors that cost lives and credibility.
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2020 Election and Aftermath – Refusal to concede, promotion of unfounded election fraud claims, and the encouragement of protests culminated in the Capitol insurrection. This resulted in a sharp drop in approval, including among some Republican voters.
Post-Presidency Ratings
After leaving office in January 2021, Trump’s ratings continued to trend downward. A Pew Research Center survey in 2023 indicated that only 29% of Americans viewed him favorably. His potential legal troubles, including ongoing investigations and indictments, have contributed to the erosion of public support, even as he mounts another presidential campaign.
International Opinion – Global Disillusionment
Global Approval During Presidency
Trump’s foreign policy decisions were met with widespread criticism abroad. His withdrawal from international agreements—including the Paris Climate Accord, the Iran nuclear deal, and various trade partnerships—alienated long-standing allies and cast the U.S. as unpredictable under his leadership. According to Pew’s Global Attitudes Survey, international confidence in Trump to “do the right thing regarding world affairs” was as low as 16% in Western Europe during his presidency.
Loss of Moral Leadership
Global citizens traditionally viewed the U.S. president as a symbol of democratic values. Under Trump, however, surveys showed that many around the world saw the U.S. in decline. His attacks on media, praise of authoritarian leaders, and nationalist rhetoric contributed to an image of instability.
International Reactions Post-Presidency
Even after leaving office, Trump’s global approval has failed to recover. In 2024, surveys by Ipsos and the European Council on Foreign Relations found that Trump’s return to the global stage—amid hints of a re-election bid—was viewed with concern by majorities in countries like Germany, France, Canada, and Japan. Many citizens feared a return to “Trumpism,” characterized by isolationism and disruption of global institutions.
Page 4: Media, Misinformation, and the Erosion of Trust
The Role of Media and Social Platforms
Trump’s relationship with the media was adversarial. Labeling reputable outlets as “fake news” and promoting unverified stories undermined public trust in journalism and fact-based reporting. His use of Twitter, where he bypassed traditional media channels, was revolutionary but also problematic, especially when used to spread misinformation.
After the Capitol riot, Trump was banned from major platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, for inciting violence. This limited his direct access to the public and likely contributed to the steep drop in his influence and approval.
Misinformation and Conspiracies
A key factor in the decline of Trump’s approval is the widespread dissemination of conspiracy theories, such as QAnon and the “Stop the Steal” movement, often linked to his rhetoric. As fact-checking organizations and independent investigations debunked many of these claims, trust in Trump among more moderate voters eroded.
Public disapproval grew not only because of what Trump said or did but because of what those actions symbolized—a departure from truth, reason, and democratic norms.
A Legacy in Decline?
Trump’s approval ratings have undergone a profound decline, both within the United States and internationally. What began as a movement promising to “drain the swamp” and restore American greatness has, for many, resulted in division, scandal, and global estrangement.
Though Trump maintains a dedicated base of supporters—many of whom view him as a champion against the political establishment—his broader appeal has shrunk. Surveys consistently show that a majority of Americans now disapprove of his leadership, and international audiences remain wary of his potential return to power.
The question that lingers is not just whether Trump can regain popularity, but whether the brand of politics he represents can remain a dominant force. As the world moves toward addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and geopolitical tensions, leaders are increasingly being judged not only on what they say, but how their actions impact both national and global stability.
In that light, Donald Trump’s falling approval may reflect not only public reaction to a single man—but a broader societal reckoning with the values and consequences of political extremism.
