Declining Approval for Trump as Government Management Faces Scrutiny

Wed Nov 12 2025 21:03:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent AP-NORC poll reveals a significant drop in President Trump's approval ratings regarding his management of the government, with notable discontent emerging from Republicans. The data reflects broader implications surrounding the ongoing government shutdown and challenges in governance.

A new AP-NORC poll indicates President Donald Trump's approval rating regarding government management has sharply declined to 33%. This drop is primarily attributed to dissatisfaction among Republicans and independents. Many Americans express frustration over the prolonged government shutdown, highlighting a rising tide of discontent as it disrupts federal services. Opinions vary widely on accountability for the shutdown, with some believing blame should be shared between both parties.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent AP-NORC poll has uncovered a notable decline in approval of President Donald Trump’s management of the government, particularly from Republicans, with only 33% of U.S. adults expressing approval, a decrease from 43% earlier this year.

The survey was conducted after Democratic victories in recent elections, before significant congressional efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing government shutdown. The results suggest Trump's support among his party is waning, with approval among Republicans dropping from 81% in March to just 68% now. Similarly, the endorsement from independents plummeted from 38% to 25%.

The continuing government shutdown poses risks for Trump and his administration, which has attempted to place the blame squarely on Democrats. However, public sentiment attributes fault to both parties, as the shutdown leads to serious consequences for air traffic, federal workers, and vulnerable populations relying on food assistance. The dissatisfaction may also reflect reactions to controversial changes under Trump's leadership, such as agency cuts and staff reductions.

Notable Republican Discontent

The wavering support from Republicans is particularly striking, given their previous solidarity with Trump. Beverly Lucas, a Republican from Florida, expressed her concerns about the shutdown, critiquing the president's actions as callous amid widespread hardship.

Democratic disapproval remains substantial, with 95% disagreeing with Trump’s government management, up from 89% earlier this year. Nonetheless, Trump's overall approval rating remains stable at around 36%, consistent with previous polling data.

Mixed Reactions to Government Shutdown

Opinions on Trump’s handling of key issues reflect a similar trend, especially concerning the current health care debate amid the shutdown. While some Republicans continue to support Trump, attributing shutdown-related issues to Democrats, others voice fears of neglect in addressing crucial citizen needs.

A moderate individual from Arkansas believes blame should be assigned to all involved parties, expressing concerns about the negative impacts on personal government services. In general, comments from respondents showcase a demand for more accountability from the administration regarding perceived government inefficiencies.

Overall, as the ongoing shutdown continues and its impact persists, it remains uncertain whether Trump's ratings regarding government management will rebound if a resolution is achieved. The prolonged situation may also influence long-term perceptions of his leadership amidst challenges in key areas like the economy and immigration.