Eighteen months into Donald J. Trump's second term, a new YouGov poll reveals that the majority of Americans characterise the US President as 'dangerous'.
Key Findings
According to the poll, 52 per cent of Americans used the word 'dangerous' to describe the 47th President. Additionally, 49 per cent employed 'corrupt', while 45 per cent used 'racist' and 'out-of-touch'. However, 45 per cent also applied the word 'honest', 40 per cent labelled him 'inspiring', and 38 per cent used 'intelligent'. Republicans tended to use more positive terms, while Democratic voters gravitated toward critical descriptions.
Approval Ratings
Trump's net approval rating stands at minus 24 per cent, lower than at the equivalent point in his first term and Joe Biden's final term. His second term has been marked by controversies, including broken promises on Epstein document publication, immigration enforcement measures, and the Iran conflict causing rising living costs.
On immigration, 54 per cent disapprove of Trump's approach, with 39 per cent approving. On race relations, 54 per cent disapprove versus 32 per cent approval. On crime, 49 per cent disapprove while 41 per cent approve.
Crime Claims
Trump touted a drop in murder rates, claiming the lowest level since 1900 and the biggest one-year drop in recorded history. Records show homicides in major US cities fell by over 20 per cent in 2025, the largest single-year percentage drop on record. However, the claim of the lowest murder rate since 1900 is difficult to verify due to inconsistent data prior to 1960.
Midterm Implications
Poor public opinion could affect Republicans in the November midterm elections. CNN's Harry Enten noted that Democrats hold a four-point lead on a generic House ballot, but this is narrower than in previous cycles, calling it a 'warning sign'.
