Muslim World Report

Trump's Approval Rating Hits Historic Low at 100 Days in Office

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Apr 28, 2025 10:55 AM | 6 min read | 1184 words

TL;DR: Donald Trump’s approval rating has declined to 41%, marking the lowest for any U.S. president at the 100-day mark since World War II. This significant drop reflects economic instability, living costs, and disillusionment with governance. The implications extend beyond domestic politics, affecting international relations and the dynamics within the Republican Party, potentially leading to increased polarization and a shift in alliances globally.

The Changing Dynamics of Trump’s Approval Ratings: A Global Perspective

The recent decline in Donald Trump’s approval ratings, plummeting to a staggering 41%, marks a pivotal moment not merely within American politics but also on the international stage. This rating represents an unprecedented low for a U.S. president at the 100-day mark since World War II, reflecting broader discontent among the electorate (Gallup, 2023). Factors contributing to this decline include:

  • Economic instability
  • Escalating living costs
  • Disillusionment with governance

Notably, a significant portion of the American public—nearly two in five—expresses a troubling tolerance for authoritarian policies. This shift suggests a dangerous erosion of democratic norms that raises alarms not only domestically but also globally (Newman et al., 2020; Diamond, 2022).

Implications of Trump’s Declining Approval

The implications of Trump’s declining approval extend far beyond the boundaries of the United States:

  • Allies and adversaries are closely monitoring this political turbulence, interpreting it as a potential weakening of American influence on the world stage.
  • Nations that have historically relied on U.S. leadership may reconsider their alliances, potentially opening the door for rival powers like China and Russia to expand their sway (Carey et al., 2019; Meléndez & Rovira Kaltwasser, 2021).
  • Countries in the Global South may seek alternative partnerships, eroding U.S. influence on critical global issues such as climate change, trade, and human rights (Ilhan et al., 2020; Ofosu et al., 2019).

Internal Challenges for the Republican Party

Internally, the Republican Party is grappling with significant challenges. The uncertainty surrounding Trump’s political future brings into question the party’s trajectory and electoral prospects. Key considerations include:

  • Candidates distancing themselves from Trump’s controversial policies to appeal to moderate voters (Weyland, 2020).
  • The emergence of a more centrist or even progressive candidate, reshaping the Republican landscape (Fetzer & Schwarz, 2020).

Additionally, Trump’s declining approval ratings could catalyze heightened polarization within American society. As Democratic mobilization efforts intensify, particularly among historically underrepresented groups (Kennedy et al., 2017), there is an urgent need for the Democratic Party to craft a cohesive narrative ahead of the 2024 elections (D’Anieri, 2011).

What If Trump’s Approval Continues to Decline?

Should Trump’s approval ratings continue to slide, several critical consequences may unfold:

  1. Intensified division within the Republican Party, leading to candidates distancing themselves from Trump’s policies.
  2. Mobilization of Democrats driven by a desire to counteract perceived authoritarianism, resulting in an increase in voter turnout among underrepresented demographics.
  3. On a global scale, diminishing U.S. leverage in international negotiations, with allies hesitating to align with a seemingly unstable U.S. leadership.

This political landscape could lead to a multipolar world where American influence wanes, and regional powers assert more autonomy.

What If Trump’s Base Remains Resilient?

Alternatively, if Trump’s base remains resilient despite declining approval ratings, it could indicate a more profound transformation of American politics:

  • Continued support may solidify Trump’s hold over the Republican Party, leading to a more entrenched populist agenda.
  • Escalating rhetoric and tactics that could normalize authoritarian behavior, raising alarms about the health of American democracy.

Internationally, this resilience may inspire other populist leaders, complicating efforts to promote democratic values and influencing U.S. foreign relations negatively.

What If Trump’s Approval Ratings Stabilize?

If Trump’s approval ratings stabilize in the mid-range, this could present a unique strategic landscape:

  • While indicating solid support, it might expose vulnerabilities to opposition and primary challengers.
  • A potential pivot towards more centrist policies could aim to capture undecided voters but risk alienating his core supporters.

Internationally, stability could restore predictability in U.S. foreign policy, enabling renewed partnerships with European and Asian allies. However, failure to address underlying grievances could lead to backlash in 2024.

The Republican Party: Navigating Internal Divisions

The internal dynamics of the Republican Party are crucial in shaping its future. Key factions include:

  • Members advocating for a return to traditional conservative values
  • Supporters doubling down on Trump’s populist approach

Candidates must navigate these competing interests; those in moderate districts may adopt centrist positions while conservatives may prioritize loyalty to Trump.

The party faces a pivotal moment in redefining its identity, balancing populist sentiments with a need for broader electoral appeal.

The Democratic Party: Seizing the Moment

In light of Trump’s declining approval ratings, the Democratic Party must craft a cohesive narrative that resonates with a broad coalition. Important approaches include:

  • Engaging diverse factions within the party—progressives, moderates, and independents—to build a unified front.
  • Addressing pressing issues such as healthcare access, economic inequality, and social justice.

Prioritizing outreach to historically marginalized groups can galvanize support and shape the electoral landscape.

The Geopolitical Ramifications of Domestic Turbulence

As the United States grapples with internal challenges, the implications extend to global dynamics. Allies and adversaries are reassessing their relationships:

  • Nations may explore alternatives, creating fragmentation in international order.
  • Rival powers like China and Russia could assert more influence, impacting U.S. foreign policy.

Countries in the Global South may significantly reshape global governance by aligning with non-Western powers, marking a shift in the balance of power.

Conclusion: A Complex Future Lies Ahead

The current political landscape necessitates strategic maneuvers from all players:

  • Trump must reassess governance strategies to retain base loyalty.
  • Democrats need a cohesive narrative to galvanize support.
  • The Republican Party must navigate internal divisions for relevance.

Meanwhile, U.S. allies need to adapt in a changing geopolitical context. Ultimately, the interplay of these factors will shape the future of governance and global relations as the world watches the unfolding dynamics of American democracy.

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