Donald Trump’s second term has been marked by erratic behavior and increasingly unbelievable actions, including a public plea to Vladimir Putin and fantastical proposals regarding Canada and Gaza. His erratic foreign policy, characterized by contradictory actions and a lack of serious international engagement, has rendered him a global embarrassment, even as he holds immense power. This lack of seriousness, exemplified by his unrealistic ambitions, has led to a global perception of him as a hapless loser, despite his considerable power and potential to cause further harm. The world largely views Trump’s presidency as a self-inflicted wound, a boon for centrist politicians globally, and a source of embarrassment for fellow right-wing populists.
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A new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll reveals President Trump’s 100-day approval rating at a historic low of 39%, significantly lower than any president in the past 80 years. This disapproval stems from widespread public opposition to numerous policies and considerable economic anxiety, including prevalent recession fears. Despite this, Trump maintains a higher level of public trust than Congressional Democrats in handling national issues. The poll also highlights strong negative public sentiment towards several specific administration initiatives and actions.
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President Trump’s approval rating currently stands at 41%, significantly lower than his predecessor’s at any point in their term and 19 points below his own starting rating. His net approval is -13, with disapproval highest among independents, younger voters, women, and minority groups. Conversely, strong Republican support maintains a sizeable approval segment. This contrasts sharply with historical presidential rankings, where Trump himself falls below even presidents he has previously criticized.
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President Trump’s second term deviates sharply from predecessors, exhibiting characteristics of an elected monarchy rather than a republic. His governance relies heavily on executive orders—exceeding previous presidents’ rates—often bypassing Congress and targeting institutions critical of his administration. This includes intimidation tactics against the judiciary, media outlets, and universities, coupled with the declaration of multiple national emergencies to expand executive power. Such actions, combined with his foreign policy choices, raise serious concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and institutions in the United States.
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Multiple polls reveal declining public approval of President Trump’s second term, with disapproval ratings exceeding 50% across various surveys. Key policy areas, including the economy, immigration, and trade, show significantly lower approval than in his first term. Even among Republicans, support for Trump’s priorities is not overwhelming, while independent voters express considerably less confidence. This widespread dissatisfaction is reflected in negative assessments of his handling of various issues, contributing to historically low approval ratings for a president this early in his term.
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Following a deadly missile attack in Kyiv, Donald Trump expressed doubt regarding Vladimir Putin’s commitment to ending the war in Ukraine, citing the unnecessary civilian casualties. Trump, who recently met with Zelenskyy in Rome, has repeatedly claimed he could broker a peace deal quickly, blaming current leadership for the ongoing conflict and its devastating consequences. Despite ongoing negotiations, a peace agreement remains elusive, and Trump has suggested alternative approaches, including “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions,” to pressure Putin. He views the current situation as a disastrous legacy inherited from previous administrations.
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A Georgetown Law student-created spreadsheet tracking law firms’ responses to the Trump administration’s actions has significantly impacted legal recruitment. Categorizing over 800 firms based on their actions, the spreadsheet influences student choices, with some rejecting lucrative offers from firms deemed to have “caved” to the administration. This unexpected outcome has led firms to lobby for changes to their classifications within the spreadsheet. The document, initially intended for internal use, now plays a key role in students’ decisions regarding internships and employment.
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A new AP-NORC poll reveals that 52% of Americans rate President Trump’s second term as “poor” or “terrible,” with Democrats expressing significantly more dissatisfaction than Republicans. While Republicans largely support Trump, even within this group, ambivalence exists regarding his policy priorities. His approval rating hovers around 40%, higher on immigration issues but lower on foreign policy and the economy. Despite the negative assessments, Trump maintains strong support among Republicans, who praise his adherence to campaign promises.
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Despite precedent set by President George W. Bush in 2005, President Trump declined to meet with President Biden at Pope Francis’ funeral, stating such a meeting was not a priority. This contrasts sharply with Trump’s interactions with other world leaders, including a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Trump’s disregard for Biden underscores their ongoing political antagonism, which has seen Trump repeatedly criticize his predecessor. Even the shared solemnity of the papal funeral did not bridge the significant divide between the two former presidents.
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During Pope Francis’s funeral in Vatican City, Presidents Trump and Zelensky held a productive, constructive private meeting. While specifics weren’t released, the discussion focused on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with Zelensky expressing hope for a full ceasefire and lasting peace. The meeting, prompted by European officials hoping to bridge divides in peace negotiations, followed previous tense encounters between the two leaders. Trump’s proposed peace deal, which includes territorial concessions by Ukraine, contrasts sharply with Kyiv’s counter-proposal.
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John Q. Hosedrinker