U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 42%, marking a decline from 43% in the previous poll and a more notable fall from 45% in late March, according to a new Ipsos poll conducted for Reuters.
The poll, conducted between April 16 and 21 among over 4,300 U.S. adults, found that 53% of respondents disapproved of Trump’s performance, with only 42% expressing approval. This marks the lowest approval rating for Trump since he launched his political comeback and campaign for a third run at the presidency.
One of the driving forces behind this decline appears to be Trump’s recent actions targeting higher education institutions. In mid-April, the U.S. Department of Education, under Trump’s direction, announced a freeze on $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in long-term contracts earmarked for Harvard University. Trump accused the university of promoting what he described as a “liberal agenda” and not aligning with “American values.”
The move sparked widespread debate and discontent, particularly among voters who see the decision as politically motivated. The poll revealed that a significant majority—59%—believe the United States is losing credibility on the global stage. Furthermore, three in four respondents (75%) said that Trump should not pursue a third presidential run in 2028, signaling a deep divide within the electorate about his political future.
Although Trump still maintains strong support among the Republican base, the latest numbers suggest growing national skepticism, especially among independents and moderates. The margin of error for the poll is approximately two percentage points, which means the decline, though modest, is statistically significant.
These figures emerge at a crucial time as Trump ramps up his campaign activities, aiming to solidify his influence ahead of the 2026 midterms and lay the groundwork for another presidential bid. With key policy decisions under scrutiny and public perception shifting, Trump’s approval trend will be closely watched in the coming months.
