President Donald Trump’s approval rating is facing new scrutiny after a recent Associated Press-NORC poll showed his national numbers dipping to 36 percent approval, with 62 percent disapproving.
The numbers place Trump slightly below other recent surveys, including an NBC News poll showing 39 percent approval and a The Economist/YouGov survey registering 37 percent.
For voters closely watching the direction of the country — especially Americans age 50 and older who prioritize economic stability, border security, and retirement security — the latest polling offers a snapshot of where public opinion currently stands.
Immigration Enforcement Emerges as a Flashpoint
One of the most notable shifts appears among independent voters regarding immigration enforcement and deportation policy.
According to the AP-NORC data:
- Trump’s approval on immigration among independents fell from 37 percent in March 2025
- It now stands at 23 percent in the latest survey
Polling experts caution that results among smaller voter groups can fluctuate more widely. Still, the movement suggests growing debate over the scope and pace of deportation efforts.
Roughly six in ten independents now say the president has “gone too far” in deporting individuals who are in the country illegally. That represents an increase compared to earlier polling last spring.
For many conservative voters, immigration remains a core issue tied to national security, economic competition, and rule of law. However, the broader electorate appears increasingly divided over how aggressively enforcement should proceed.
Public Opinion on ICE Shows Sharp Partisan Divide
The poll also measured attitudes toward U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Key findings include:
- About 30 percent of U.S. adults hold a favorable view of ICE
- Approximately 60 percent report an unfavorable view
- In 2018, only 37 percent viewed the agency negatively
As expected, opinions break heavily along party lines:
- Around 70 percent of Republicans view ICE favorably
- Roughly 20 percent of independents express favorable views
- About 10 percent of Democrats view the agency positively
The numbers reflect the broader polarization surrounding border security and immigration enforcement — issues likely to remain central in upcoming political debates.
Economic Approval Remains Under Pressure
While immigration has drawn headlines, Trump’s approval on the economy continues to weigh heavily on overall numbers.
In the latest AP survey:
- 39 percent approve of his handling of the economy
- 59 percent disapprove
Those figures are consistent with other recent national polls.
For Americans over 50, economic confidence often centers on:
- Inflation
- Retirement savings
- Social Security stability
- Energy prices
- Tax policy
Economic perception frequently plays a decisive role in long-term approval trends — and could prove pivotal heading into the next election cycle.
A Key Strength: Republican Support Remains Firm
Despite slippage among independents, one factor stands out clearly: Republican support remains strong and steady.
Party loyalty appears largely intact, providing Trump with a stable base even as broader national approval fluctuates.
Political analysts frequently note that sustained base support can be a powerful advantage in a polarized environment — especially if independent voters shift based on economic improvements or major policy developments.
What Comes Next?
Polling represents a moment in time, not a final verdict.
Approval ratings can shift quickly based on:
- Economic performance
- Border developments
- International events
- Legislative outcomes
For now, however, the latest surveys serve as a reminder that the battle for independent voters remains critical.
As the political climate intensifies, the intersection of immigration policy, economic performance, and voter perception will likely determine where approval numbers head next.