President Trump’s approval rating reaches an all-time high as Americans report the highest optimism about the nation’s direction in two decades, though significant partisan divisions remain.
Quick Takes
- Trump’s approval rating hit an all-time high of 47%, with 55% of Americans approving of his handling of border security
- 44% of Americans believe the country is headed in the right direction, the highest since George W. Bush’s presidency
- The Democratic Party’s favorability dropped to a record low of 27% among registered voters
- While Trump enjoys strong support on immigration and government reform, challenges remain with 54% disapproving of his economic policies
- The partisan divide is stark, with Trump enjoying 90% approval among Republicans but only 4% among Democrats
American Optimism Reaches 20-Year High
American sentiment about the nation’s trajectory has experienced a remarkable turnaround since President Trump’s reelection. According to NBC News polling, 44% of Americans now believe the country is on the right track, representing a 17-point jump and reaching a 20-year high. While 54% still think the country is on the wrong track, this dramatic shift in national mood signals growing confidence in the administration’s policy direction and leadership. This improved outlook is the highest since George W. Bush’s presidency, reflecting a significant psychological shift in how Americans view their country’s future prospects.
The RealClearPolitics average of polls confirms this trend, showing a similar improvement in national mood metrics since Trump’s return to office. This renewed confidence appears driven by Americans seeing concrete action on issues that matter to them, including border security, energy policy, and government reform. Notably, even with economic concerns, the public increasingly believes the administration is addressing fundamental problems that had previously seemed intractable.
President Trump's approval rating: All-time highs.
The Democratic Party's approval rating: All-time lows.
Oh, and Americans are more optimistic about the direction of the country than at any point since 2004.
Any questions? pic.twitter.com/J0S4WDUmkr
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) March 16, 2025
Trump’s Border Policies Garner Strong Support
Among President Trump’s policy initiatives, his approach to immigration and border security has resonated most strongly with the American public. The NBC News poll shows 55% of Americans approve of his handling of border security and immigration issues, making it his most popular policy area. Specific actions at the southern border enjoy even broader support, with 56% of respondents viewing Trump’s border enforcement measures positively. This strong backing reflects widespread concern about illegal immigration that transcends traditional partisan lines.
The administration’s focus on border enforcement has become a cornerstone of its policy agenda, with supporters citing increased deportations, renewed construction of border barriers, and stricter asylum policies as evidence of a commitment to addressing what many Americans consider a crisis. The popularity of these measures demonstrates that Americans increasingly favor a more controlled approach to immigration, particularly when it comes to illegal border crossings and enforcement of existing laws.
Economic Challenges Amid Growing Confidence
Despite rising national optimism, economic concerns remain a significant challenge for the administration. The NBC News poll found 54% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s economic policies, with only 44% expressing approval. This represents the first time Trump has lost majority support on economic issues in NBC’s polling. However, there are contradictory signals regarding public perception of his economic impact, with 40% believing Trump’s policies positively affect inflation compared to 30% who see a negative effect.
Trade policy has emerged as a particularly complex area, with 41% supporting Trump’s tariff policies despite recent stock market volatility in response to these measures. Many Americans appear willing to tolerate short-term economic disruption if they believe it serves longer-term national interests. The administration’s focus on energy independence, reducing regulations, and prioritizing American manufacturing has resonated with significant segments of the population, even as others worry about potential negative consequences for consumers and global trade relationships.
Historic Partisan Divide Persists
The improved national mood exists alongside unprecedented political polarization. Trump’s approval rating stands at 90% among Republicans but just 4% among Democrats—the largest such gap in 80 years of polling. This stark divide highlights how differently Americans view the same leadership based on their political affiliations. The Democratic Party itself faces significant challenges, with favorability ratings hitting a record low of just 27% among registered voters according to NBC News, and 29% according to CNN polling. Internal Democratic tensions have undoubtedly contributed to the negative perceptions and became visible when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer supported a Republican spending bill, stating, “I believe that allowing Donald Trump to take even more power via a government shutdown is a far worse option.” Nancy Pelosi called this stance “unacceptable,” highlighting the party’s increasingly visible fractures.
The administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) also exemplifies these divisions, with 47% viewing it negatively despite support for general government reforms. Similarly, 46% of voters believe media coverage of Trump is overly critical, reflecting persistent disagreement about how his presidency should be portrayed and evaluated. As Trump’s second term progresses, these partisan divides show little sign of narrowing, even as overall national confidence improves.
