AP Poll: Trump’s Immigration Support Slips Amid Broad Policy Criticism/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ New AP-NORC polling reveals President Trump’s approval remains consistent at 40% despite major policy moves. While immigration approval has slightly dropped, core supporters continue to back him. His favorability has held within a narrow range since 2019.
Trump’s Approval in 2025 – Quick Looks
- AP-NORC July poll shows Trump at 40% job approval
- Approval ratings remain steady despite aggressive policies
- Immigration approval dropped from 50% to 43% since March
- Support among Trump’s base remains firm and unchanged
- Voters express mixed views on Trump’s tariffs and deportation tactics
- Trump’s favorability has hovered between 33%–43% for five years
- Economic ratings for Trump remain broadly negative in second term
- Some voters tolerate Trump’s tone due to policy alignment
- Experts say consistency reflects deep political polarization
- Approval drop doesn’t match typical presidential fluctuations
AP Poll: Trump’s Immigration Support Slips Amid Broad Policy Criticism
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s approval rating remains locked in a narrow band despite a year marked by inflation concerns, strict immigration enforcement, and divisive political moves. According to a new AP-NORC poll released in July 2025, 40% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s overall job performance—a figure nearly unchanged from earlier in the year.
This persistent number underscores one of the key traits of Trump’s political life: extreme stability in both support and opposition. In contrast to previous presidents whose ratings rose or fell based on legislation or global crises, Trump’s approval appears virtually immune to the usual political currents.
Stable Ratings, Slipping Immigration Support
In March 2025, the same polling center found Trump’s approval at 42%, meaning the recent 2-point dip is statistically insignificant. But a more notable shift is the drop in his approval on immigration, once a core strength for his re-election in 2024. Then, 50% of respondents backed his handling of immigration. As of July, that number has declined to 43%.
Polling from other sources echoes this trend. A CNN/SSRS survey found that 55% of Americans believe Trump has gone “too far” in deporting undocumented immigrants, up 10 percentage points from February. Eighteen-year-old Donovan Baldwin of North Carolina, who did not vote in 2024, said Trump’s immigration policies “come off as aggression,” even though he understands the desire for border enforcement.
Economic Concerns and Tariff Fallout
Economic policy has also become a soft spot for the president. Once praised for boosting markets in his first term, Trump now faces broad dissatisfaction over his economic leadership. AP-NORC’s polling found that most Americans believe his tax and spending plans favor the wealthy. There is little belief among voters that these policies will benefit middle-income families or average citizens.
While his tariffs are drawing mixed reactions, many of Trump’s backers are willing to accept some price increases. Kim Schultz of Springhill, Florida, supports Trump’s tough stance—even if it hits her wallet. “If the tariffs are going to cost me a little more, I don’t have a problem with that,” she said.
The Base Stays Loyal
Despite softening support in specific areas, Trump’s core voters remain devoted. These supporters often express disapproval of Trump’s personality or communication style—particularly his use of social media and frequent personal attacks—but separate that from his policies.
Eric Hildenbrand, a 76-year-old San Diego resident, still backs Trump despite not seeing local price drops others report nationally.
“I’m not in favor of Trump’s personality, but I am in favor of what he’s getting done,” Hildenbrand said.
Others, like Brian Nichols from Albuquerque, New Mexico, continue to support Trump but note reservations about specific policy areas, including Trump’s push to eliminate federal departments like Education. Still, Nichols sees Congress as a moderating force and believes in letting Trump continue his agenda.
The Long-Term Trend
Since Trump first took office in 2017, his approval has never spiked or plummeted significantly. AP-NORC’s polling tracker confirms that his approval has consistently remained between 33% and 43%. Through events as varied as a pandemic, economic upheaval, a felony conviction, and even an assassination attempt, the numbers barely shifted.
Analysts interpret this consistency as a reflection of a polarized electorate. To supporters, Trump represents effective disruption of traditional politics. To opponents, he embodies division and authoritarianism. But neither side seems willing to shift.
Broader Implications
Trump’s unusually stable ratings suggest that many Americans have already made up their minds—likely for good. This dynamic limits how much political fallout Trump might face from future policies or controversies.
Even controversial decisions like aggressive immigration raids, strict trade tariffs, and bold executive orders do little to dent his support. For many voters, the perception that Trump is “getting things done” outweighs concerns about style, legality, or international opinion.
Trump’s second term has thus far defied traditional expectations for presidential polling, showing that deep partisan loyalty may now matter more than policy outcomes or presidential behavior.
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