In a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, findings reveal that a significant majority across both political parties believes that the Trump administration must cease any action deemed illegal by a federal court. This study, which gathered responses from 3,589 adults between April 7 and April 13, 2025, aimed to gauge public opinion on President Donald Trump and the initiatives undertaken by his administration on critical issues.
The survey was carried out using the American Trends Panel (ATP), a representative sample constructed through random selection from residential addresses across the United States. Participants, who agree to partake in regular surveys, were interviewed either online or via telephone with live interviewers. The data collected was carefully weighted to reflect the broader U.S. adult population based on various demographic factors including gender, race, ethnicity, political affiliation, and education levels. For more detailed information, the ATP’s methodology can be explored in depth.
As President Trump approaches the 100-day mark of his second term, his approval rating stands at 40%, marking a decline of 7 percentage points since February. Despite receiving strong support from his core followers, many of his key policy actions are facing significant public disapproval. For instance, 59% of Americans disapprove of the administration’s recent tariff increases, while just 39% express approval. Similarly, 55% disapprove of the cuts being made to federal departments and agencies, with 44% in support.
Additionally, Trump’s use of executive authority has come under scrutiny; 51% of U.S. adults believe he is setting too much policy through executive orders. In stark contrast, only 27% feel he is doing the right amount, while a mere 5% say he is using too little executive power. Notably, this survey period coincided with Trump’s announcement of extensive new tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners, which led to market volatility.
Amidst ongoing legal challenges to many of the administration's actions, there is a notable bipartisan consensus regarding federal court rulings. A substantial 78% of respondents agree that the Trump administration should adhere to a federal court's decision, a figure that increases to 88% if the ruling comes from the Supreme Court. This sentiment spans both parties, with 91% of Democrats and 65% of Republicans asserting that the administration should halt actions deemed illegal by federal courts.
While there is widespread agreement on the need for compliance with federal court rulings, significant partisan divisions exist regarding Trump's overall job performance and specific policies. Among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, about 70% approve of Trump’s job performance (75%) and his administration's cuts to government (78%) and increased tariffs (70%). Conversely, Democrats and Democratic-leaning individuals express overwhelming disapproval: 93% disapprove of Trump’s job performance, with 89% against government cuts and 90% opposing increased tariffs.
Trump’s current approval rating of 40% aligns with his rating during his first term but is lower than that of his predecessors at similar points in their presidencies. Notably, only Bill Clinton had a lower approval rate (barring Trump) at his 100-day mark, with 49% in April 1993. In contrast, President Joe Biden enjoyed a 59% approval rating in April 2021, which later fell to 44% by September of that year.
When asked about their views on Trump's administration, Americans frequently mention immigration actions as a focal point. Approximately 20% highlight immigration positively, while 11% cite the same topic negatively, particularly regarding deportations. Trump's approach to governance also draws mixed reactions; while some commend his ability to keep promises (11%), others criticize aspects such as perceived carelessness and authoritarian tendencies (22%).
The survey indicates a more negative economic outlook among the public, with 45% now believing the economy will worsen in the next year, an increase from 37% previously. Confidence in Trump's economic management has also dipped, with only 45% expressing trust in his decisions, marking his lowest rating on this front since 2019. Despite this decline, Trump's economic ratings still surpass those of Biden during his presidency.
The recent survey highlights shifting perceptions towards both the Trump administration and the Republican Party. While the GOP is viewed more favorably than in previous years, with 43% expressing a favorable view, the Democratic Party's approval remains relatively unchanged at 38%. As public sentiment continues to evolve, the implications for future policy and electoral prospects remain significant.
