By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Donald Trump’s current net approval rating is historically low, marking the worst performance of any president in over 70 years, aside from his first term. His rating has plummeted from +7 in January 2025 to -2 currently, a decline reflected across multiple major polling sources. This negative approval extends across most key policy areas, with only immigration showing positive sentiment. While slightly better than his first term’s performance at this juncture, his standing is drastically worse than any other president at a comparable point in their presidency.
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Donald Trump’s presidency is consistently ranked as the worst in modern history, a conclusion supported by numerous polls and widely held sentiment. The sheer volume of criticism, spanning numerous policy areas and aspects of his character, paints a picture of an exceptionally divisive and controversial figure.
The sheer scale of the negative assessment isn’t just confined to specific policy decisions; it encompasses his very approach to the office. His actions often seemed driven by personal gain, self-promotion, and a disregard for established norms and traditions. This disregard fueled a sense of chaos and instability that many view as unprecedented in recent presidential history.
Many point to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant low point. The lack of a coordinated national response, the downplaying of the virus’s severity, and the promotion of unproven treatments all contributed to a disastrous outcome, costing countless lives and severely damaging the nation’s reputation on the world stage.
Beyond the pandemic, his foreign policy is frequently criticized as erratic and damaging to long-standing alliances. The unpredictable nature of his decisions and his frequent attacks on international partners fostered distrust and uncertainty, weakening America’s position in global affairs. The withdrawal from international agreements and the alienation of allies are also frequently cited as evidence of his damaging impact on foreign policy.
Domestically, the criticism is equally widespread. Economic policies are seen by many as favoring the wealthy and exacerbating existing inequalities. Social issues were often handled in a way that deeply divided the country, rather than seeking to bridge the gap. The erosion of democratic norms and institutions is also a major point of concern for many critics.
The widespread perception of Trump as a divisive figure is undeniable. His rhetoric often stoked anger and resentment, exacerbating existing social and political divisions. This divisive style contributed to a climate of polarization and made it difficult to address pressing national challenges in a constructive manner. Furthermore, many feel his presidency was marked by an unprecedented level of personal attacks and insults against political opponents, undermining the decorum expected from a head of state.
Concerns extend beyond specific policy failures to a broader sense that the very foundations of democratic governance were threatened under his tenure. Challenges to the legitimacy of elections, the undermining of independent institutions, and the repeated attempts to exploit partisan divisions are all cited as evidence of a fundamental threat to the nation’s democratic processes.
Even his supporters often concede that his style and demeanor were unconventional, at times crude, and frequently inappropriate for the highest office. However, the scale and intensity of the negative assessment of his presidency are unparalleled in modern history.
The consistent, widespread criticism of his presidency is striking. It transcends partisan divides, although the severity of the critiques differs across the political spectrum. Yet, even among those who supported some of his policies, there’s a remarkable consensus that his conduct in office was substandard.
It’s worth noting that the criticism isn’t confined to anecdotes or partisan opinions. Numerous independent analyses of his presidency have yielded overwhelmingly negative assessments. Experts across a range of fields have pointed to significant failings in his leadership, his policy decisions, and his overall impact on the country.
This isn’t to say that all aspects of his presidency were universally condemned. However, the sheer weight of the negative assessments, coupled with the lack of widespread positive consensus, solidifies the prevailing view that Donald Trump’s presidency is widely considered to be the worst in modern US history, across a multitude of key areas. The lasting impact of his tenure, and the ongoing debate about its significance, will undoubtedly shape American politics for years to come.