AP-NORC Poll: Only 25% Say Trump Policies Have Helped Them/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A new AP‑NORC poll finds only 1 in 4 U.S. adults say President Trump’s policies have helped them. He receives under‑50% approval on major issues like the economy, immigration, health care, and spending. Even among Republicans, fewer feel that Trump truly understands their daily struggles.
Trump Policy Impact Quick Looks
- Only 25% of U.S. adults report benefits from Trump’s policies.
- About 50% say his policies have hurt them.
- Trump lacks majority approval on key issues including economy and health care.
- Immigration approval dipped from 49% to 43% since March.
- About 60% see Trump as somewhat effective at getting things done.
- 56% feel he doesn’t understand the problems of everyday Americans.
- Even Republicans are split on whether Trump grasps their concerns.
- Trump’s signature budget and tariff moves face widespread criticism.
AP-NORC Poll: Only 25% Say Trump Policies Have Helped Them
Deep Look
WASHINGTON (AP) — Just a quarter of U.S. adults believe President Donald Trump’s policies have positively impacted their lives since he took office, according to a new AP‑NORC Center poll. Meanwhile, around half say his policies have harmed them, and the rest report no change.
The survey reveals Trump fails to secure majority support on key issues like the economy, immigration, health care, government spending, and foreign affairs. Notably, his standing on immigration — once a strong suit — has declined from 49% in March to 43% in July.
Public Opinion on Policy Impact
When asked how Trump’s policies have affected them personally since his second term began six months ago:
- Roughly 25% said they’ve “done more to help” them.
- Nearly 50% said “done more to hurt.”
- About 20% said they’ve “not made a difference.”
Landon Lindemer, 29, a logistics manager outside Atlanta, said: “I don’t know his policies have made much of a difference in my day-to-day life.” He’s a three-time Trump voter who still approves of the president’s overall performance but remains wary of the new massive budget law.
Approval Ratings on Major Issues
Trump’s approval remains under 50% across all measured topics: the economy, government spending, trade, taxes, immigration, health care, and his response to the conflict in the Middle East.
- Immigration: 43% approve, down from 49% in March.
- Government Spending: About 40%, down from March’s 46%.
- Economy Overall: Around 40%, little changed in recent months.
Timothy Dwyer, 26, an independent retail worker in Tennessee, criticized Trump’s tariffs: “He’s turned us into a toilet and made us the laughing stock of the world.” Dwyer was also disappointed with Trump’s lack of progress on lowering grocery and healthcare costs.
Leadership and Empathy Ratings
Despite the criticism, Trump scores higher when it comes to perceived effectiveness and leadership:
- 60% say he’s at least somewhat capable of “getting things done.”
- Around 50% describe him as a good negotiator or capable in a crisis.
However, when asked if he “understands the problems facing people like you,” 56% responded “not very well” or “not at all well.” Even within his party, only about 50% of Republicans feel Trump genuinely grasps their everyday struggles.
Levi Fischer, an Iowa Trump voter, said: “I think he’s doing quite well… but his policies don’t make much difference in my life.”
Economic & Political Context
The poll was released amid lingering economic concerns: inflation spiked in the last month to its highest level since February, fueled in part by Trump’s expansive tariffs. His July 4 budget included Medicaid cuts expected to leave nearly 12 million more Americans uninsured and add $3.3 trillion to the national debt, according to the CBO.
Additionally, ongoing conflicts abroad — including in Israel and Ukraine — may be influencing public disapproval. Overall job approval for Trump stands at about 40%, in line with June’s reading but comparatively low when matched against the same points of tenure for President Biden and President Obama.
Bailey Neill, a 42-year-old attorney from San Antonio, voiced her disquiet: “I’m terrified of Trump,” citing his authoritarian leanings echoed in conservative plans like Project 2025. She notes feeling a persistent “fear and anxiety” under his leadership.
Implications for Trump’s Agenda
The AP‑NORC poll, based on interviews with 1,437 U.S. adults (margin of error ±3.6%), signals potential hurdles for Trump’s broader agenda. His signature initiatives — reducing inflation, preserving social programs, reshaping foreign policy, and tightening government spending — have yet to sway more than half of Americans affirmatively.
While a majority recognize his capacity to get things done, many doubt his empathy or real-world impact. With deep partisan and ideological divides, Trump’s ability to unite or continue driving key policies remains in question as he heads toward the next election cycle.
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