Is 100 days enough time to judge a president? For Donald Trump’s supporters, the answer is generally no. But for many others, the answer is a resounding yes — largely because Americans believe Trump is already making significant changes to how the government and the economy operate.
From the start of his second term, Trump maintained strong support among his loyal base. However, wider public opinion shows growing dissatisfaction. Many Americans believe Trump’s administration has focused too heavily on tariffs while not doing enough to lower prices, a sentiment that is dragging down his approval ratings on the economy and inflation.
A Divided Base: MAGA vs. Non-MAGA Republicans
MAGA Republicans continue to base their evaluations heavily on immigration policy, where they strongly approve of Trump’s efforts. They also view the economy much more optimistically than the general public, believing things have improved under Trump’s leadership.
Meanwhile, other Republicans — those who voted for Trump but don’t identify as MAGA — have grown less approving of his economic management. Among these voters, along with independents, younger Americans, and Hispanic voters, Trump’s approval has declined since the start of his term.
Tariffs, Promises, and Public Perception
While Trump’s core voters believe he’s fulfilling his campaign promises, the broader public is less convinced. Many who think he’s overly focused on tariffs say he’s deviating from what he originally pledged.
Most Americans now say Trump’s policies have left them financially worse off — a sharp contrast to the early days of his presidency, when more people believed he would improve their personal finances.
MAGA Republicans still overwhelmingly believe the economy is improving.
The majority of Americans say it is getting worse.
Two-thirds of those who feel financially worse off also believe Trump broke his campaign promises.
As a result, Trump’s approval ratings on handling the economy and inflation have fallen to their lowest levels so far in his second term.
Support for Tariffs Drops
Public support for Trump’s tariffs has steadily declined, particularly as more Americans feel the administration lacks a clear plan for trade policy. There is a widening gap between Republicans, who are somewhat more supportive, and the rest of the country.
Key Issues: Economy and Immigration
When asked what issues matter most in evaluating Trump, Americans overwhelmingly cite the economy and immigration.
Those who judge Trump primarily on immigration tend to approve of his performance overall.
Those focused on the economy tend to disapprove.
Immigration: Support for Deportations, But Concerns About Mistakes
While most Americans believe Trump’s deportation policies have reduced border crossings, there are serious concerns about wrongful detentions:
75% of Americans say it would be unacceptable for legal residents to be mistakenly detained.
80% say it would be unacceptable for legal residents to be deported.
Even though support for the general deportation program remains strong, these concerns have contributed to a decline in Trump’s overall approval on immigration, especially among independents and college-educated voters.
Expanding Presidential Power?
Another point of contention: Most Americans believe Trump is trying to expand presidential powers beyond traditional limits — a perception that heavily influences how voters view democracy and rule of law under his administration.
A majority prefer Trump to work with Congress rather than relying on executive orders.
Most Americans, including a majority of Republicans, say Trump should obey Supreme Court rulings, even if they oppose his agenda.
Democrats Frustrated With Their Own Party
On the other side of the aisle, many Democrats report feeling frustrated and nervous about how their party is handling Trump’s presidency. They believe their leaders are not pushing back hard enough against him.
Bottom Line: Trump’s First 100 Days Leave a Divided Nation
As Trump crosses the 100-day mark of his second term, the country remains deeply split over his leadership. His core supporters stay loyal. But concerns over economic struggles, presidential overreach, and immigration mistakes are mounting — and they are taking a toll on his broader public support.