President Donald J. Trump has issued a blistering response to new approval ratings, making it clear that he is far from pleased with the results. Ten months into his second term, the numbers paint a challenging picture for the president, prompting an impassioned defense on his own social media platform, Truth Social.
Approval Ratings Paint an Unfavorable Picture
The latest survey, published by The Economist, indicates that Trump’s net approval rating sits at -17 percent, a figure that reflects continued public disapproval and echoes trends from his first presidency. In comparison, Trump’s net approval at a similar point in his first term was -15 percent, suggesting that his political fortunes have remained roughly consistent despite the passage of nearly a decade.
The poll found that 56 percent of respondents disapprove of Trump’s presidency, while 39 percent maintain a favorable view. Only 5 percent of those surveyed were undecided, representing the smallest segment of the population.
Adding further context, statistician Nate Silver, through his Silver Bulletin, calculated Trump’s net approval across multiple polls at -9.5 percent as of October 27, 2025, reinforcing the perception that the president is facing considerable public skepticism.
Trump’s Reaction: Branding Polls as “Fake”
Trump responded with characteristic vigor, taking to Truth Social to criticize both the polling data and the media outlets that published them. In a lengthy post, he proclaimed:
“After winning THREE Elections, BY A LOT, I am now getting the best Polling Numbers that I have ever received.”
While Trump has officially won two presidential elections — in 2016 and 2024 — his supporters continue to dispute the 2020 results, which he lost to Joe Biden, reflecting ongoing claims within his political base.
Highlighting Achievements
In his post, Trump listed a series of accomplishments he claims justify his popularity, though not directly tied to the specific polls he criticized:
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Strong economic performance and massive investment inflows into the United States
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Record-setting border security measures
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Ending eight overseas conflicts within eight months
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Policy decisions affecting sports and transgender participation
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Rapidly falling energy prices
Trump framed these achievements as evidence that the polls do not reflect the “real” state of the country under his leadership.
Attacking the Media and “Radical Left”
Trump doubled down on his longstanding narrative of media bias, asserting that liberal outlets were running “fake ads” that misrepresented his standing with the public.
“Despite all of this, the Radical Left Losers are taking fake ads, not showing REAL Polls, but rather saying that I’m Polling at low levels,” he wrote. “These are the people that I’ve been beating for years, and am continuing to do so, but by even bigger margins. These ads should not be allowed to run because they are FAKE!”
This statement underscores Trump’s continued strategy of discrediting unfavorable polling and media coverage, positioning himself as a figure both successful and under siege by partisan opponents.
Context: Reactions to Polling Over Time
This is not the first time Trump has reacted angrily to opinion polls. In previous months, he has disputed surveys conducted by mainstream outlets, including Fox News, particularly those indicating public dissatisfaction with economic conditions under his leadership. The pattern of rejecting polling data aligns with his broader efforts to cast doubt on institutions and narratives he perceives as hostile.
Political analysts note that while negative approval ratings are not unusual for presidents mid-term, Trump’s public rebuttals often escalate beyond typical political commentary, turning polling into a focal point of broader cultural and political battles.
Public Perception and Political Implications
The current numbers place Trump in a precarious position, particularly as disapproval rates surpass the halfway mark of the electorate. A net approval rating of -17 percent suggests that more Americans actively disapprove of his presidency than support it, raising questions about his ability to galvanize broad public support moving forward.
Yet, Trump’s messaging emphasizes the loyalty of his core supporters, framing dissenting polls as evidence of bias rather than an accurate reflection of public sentiment. This approach reinforces the division between his base and the broader electorate, a dynamic that has characterized much of his political career.
Trump’s Strategy Moving Forward
By publicly challenging polls, highlighting his own achievements, and portraying media narratives as “fake,” Trump seeks to control the conversation and rally his supporters. Analysts suggest that this strategy may help consolidate his base, even as broader approval numbers remain low.
Political commentator Dr. Samantha Lee observed:
“Trump’s reaction to negative polling is consistent with his approach over the years: deflect criticism, discredit the messenger, and emphasize victories — real or perceived. Whether this will translate into political success or erode credibility is still uncertain.”
Conclusion
Ten months into his second presidency, Donald Trump faces a complex political landscape, with approval ratings signaling significant public disapproval. His fiery response on Truth Social underscores a continued focus on narrative control and partisan framing.
While polls may fluctuate, Trump’s reaction highlights his enduring ability to dominate public discourse and mobilize supporters around his own metrics of success. Whether this approach will help him weather ongoing scrutiny or deepen public skepticism remains one of the central questions of his current term.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
