The second term of the Trump administration has developed into a rhythm of rapid-fire headlines, sharp partisan commentary, and a constant feeling that something big just happened, or is about to. But how are voters evaluating the performance so far?
Respondents in Trendency’s national panel rated the president using three categories: low marks (0–4), mid-range (5–7), and high marks (8–10). Across nearly every issue, low marks outweigh high marks in all three state categories. Even in red states, where one might expect stronger approval, a variety of voters assign low ratings in most policy areas. Meanwhile, blue states show the highest concentration of low marks overall, particularly on economic and cost-of-living issues. Swing states tend to fall between blue and red states but often lean closer to red-state patterns.
The issues evaluated include lowering food and energy prices, improving life nationally and locally, managing the economy, controlling government spending, lowering gas prices, keeping America safe, and controlling the border. The data paints a picture of broad skepticism, though with meaningful differences in intensity and emphasis depending on political geography.
Key Takeaways:
💲💸💰Cost of Living Concerns Dominate Across All State Types: Voters are most likely to be dissatisfied with the White House when it comes to everyday economic concerns, especially food and energy prices. In blue states, 67% give low marks for lowering food prices and 66% for lowering energy prices. Swing states show even higher dissatisfaction with food prices (74%), and red states are close behind at 73%. Even in the president’s strongest political territory, roughly two-thirds or more of respondents rate his performance poorly on these cost-of-living issues.
🔒⛔🛡️Border Security Stands Out as a Relative Strength, but Still Polarized: Among all nine issues tested, controlling the border receives the highest share of high marks in each state category. In blue states, 36% give high marks, which is significantly higher than in other issue areas in those states. 35% of voters in swing states report high marks, along with 34% in red states. While low marks still exceed high marks (44% in blue states, 48% in swing and red states), the narrower gap indicates that immigration and border control may be one of the president’s comparatively stronger issue areas. Unlike economic issues, where dissatisfaction is overwhelming, border policy shows more polarization and intensity, suggesting a clearer base of strong supporters even amid broader skepticism.
- 🎗️➕😐Red States Are More Supportive but Not Overwhelmingly: While red states consistently show slightly higher percentages of high marks than blue or swing states on most issues, such as the economy (20% high marks), keeping America safe (27%), and lowering gas prices (24%), low marks still dominate. For example, 64% in red states give low marks for handling the economy, and 67% for controlling government spending. This reveals an important nuance: partisan alignment does not automatically translate into majority approval across policy areas. Instead, red-state respondents appear more polarized, with a solid minority awarding high marks but a larger share still expressing dissatisfaction. The data suggests that while partisan loyalty matters, it does not erase economic and governance concerns.
