Trump Approval Hits 37% Second-Term Low Amid Independent Decline

President Donald Trump's job approval rating has declined to 37%, marking the lowest point of his second term and approaching his all-time low of 34%. This drop is primarily driven by a significant 17-point decline among independent voters, whose approval now stands at 29%, while Republican support remains steady near 90% and Democratic approval remains in the low single digits. Despite the dip, Trump falsely claimed his approval ratings were at their highest, attributing a supposed boost to the Jeffrey Epstein story, which polls show many Americans believe is being covered up by the government. His handling of key issues such as Iran and foreign affairs receives the highest marks but still falls below majority approval, with lower ratings for immigration, the economy, and the federal budget. Trump's signature legislative achievement, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes tax cuts and increased spending alongside cuts to Medicaid and nutrition programs, has faced opposition from a majority of Americans. Pollsters note that while Trump's accomplishments contribute to his support, policies like cuts to entitlement programs and immigration measures have negatively impacted his ratings, especially in rural areas and among young people.