Americans criticize Trump’s first year, with sharp divides among GOP: Angus Reid survey

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House, Dec. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Americans are offering more criticism than praise for U.S. President Donald Trump after the first year of his second term in office, with sharp divisions not only between parties, but also within the Republican base, according to a new Angus Reid Institute survey published Thursday.

The non-profit research group found that 56 per cent of Americans surveyed disapprove of Trump’s performance after 12 months in office, while 37 per cent approve.

Views of the president vary widely depending on political identity, particularly among Republicans, who either embrace or reject MAGA, the term referring to Republicans who align with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement and political brand.

Approval splits sharply within GOP

Support for Trump is strongest among self-identified MAGA Republicans.

Nearly all in this group, 93 per cent, approve of his job performance, including 60 per cent who say they strongly approve.

Support among Republicans who do not identify as MAGA are mixed. While 69 per cent say they approve of Trump’s first year, fewer say they strongly approve. About one in five non-MAGA Republicans say Trump’s performance has been negative.

Democrats remain overwhelmingly critical, with just six per cent approving of Trump’s first year in office. Among independents and others, approval stands at 18 per cent.

JD Vance stands out among administration figures

U.S. Vice-President JD Vance received the highest approval rating among senior members of Trump’s administration, according to the survey.

Thirty-five per cent of Americans surveyed say they approve of Vance’s performance, but more than 50 per cent disapproved. His ratings are stronger among Republicans, particularly those who identify as MAGA, and weaker among Democrats and independents.

Cost of living, health care fuel dissatisfaction

Economic pressures dominated public concerns, including among Republicans. Cost of living and inflation rank as the top issue facing the country, cited by 53 per cent of respondents, 20 points ahead of health care.

Seven in 10 Americans say they are upset with the impact of Trump’s presidency on cost of living. Nearly two-thirds say they are displeased with changes to their health-care costs.

Among non-MAGA Republicans, views are especially negative. Only 24 per cent say they are pleased with how the cost of living has been handled, while 54 per cent are upset. On health care, 22 per cent approve and 43 per cent disapprove.

Border enforcement, stock market earn higher marks

Two issues stand out as drawing more praise than criticism.

Nearly half of Americans, 49 per cent, say they are pleased with Trump’s efforts to reduce illegal immigration at the U.S. southern border, while 34 per cent are upset.

The stock market also received more positive than negative reactions, as markets have rebounded and reached new highs. Trump has taken credit for those gains, though markets have trended upward under both Republican and Democratic administrations.

Majority of actions draw more criticism than praise

On most other issues, Americans are more likely to express dissatisfaction.

Majorities say they are upset with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), tariffs, layoffs tied to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), changes to childhood vaccine guidance, withholding federal funding from universities and pardons related to the riots at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Trump’s handling of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza conflict also drew more criticism than praise.

Independents and Democrats are broadly critical across these areas, while Republicans, especially those aligned with MAGA, are more supportive.

Greenland, Epstein files stand out

Some issues generate particularly strong reactions.

Nearly six in 10 Americans say they are upset by recent discussions about annexing Greenland, while 65 per cent criticize Trump’s handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

The survey also highlights a divide over presidential power.

MAGA Republicans strongly support Trump’s tendency to bypass U.S. Congress, giving this approach a high approval score. Non-MAGA Republicans express far less comfort with this style of governing.

Democrats also dissatisfied with their party

Democrats are not united in their assessment of their own party’s performance. Half say they disapprove of how Democrats have handled the past year, while 41 per cent approve.

The findings suggest frustration across the political spectrum as Trump heads into his second year in office and the country approaches midterm elections.

Approval ratings for Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court remain low. Only 22 per cent approve of the U.S. House of Representatives, 17 per cent approve of the U.S. Senate and 24 per cent approve of the Supreme Court.

Methodology

The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey from January 16 - 20, 2026, among a randomized sample of 1,838 American adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum USA. The sample was weighted to be representative of adults nationwide according to region, gender, age, household income, and education, based on the U.S. census. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.