Former President Donald Trump's recent primetime address to a joint session of Congress has garnered significant attention. Trump's speech comes as recent polls reveal a mixed public opinion, with approval ratings hovering around the mid-40s to high-40s, slightly improved compared to his first term.
Trump's first six weeks back in office were marked by a flurry of executive orders and actions, exceeding the pace of recent predecessors. These actions, addressing campaign promises and asserting executive authority, have sparked both support and controversy.
Key policy changes include a heightened focus on immigration enforcement, potential trade tariffs, and shifts in international relations. These actions have fueled debate and contributed to a sense of rapid change among the public.
While Trump's approval ratings have seen a slight decline since returning to office, they remain above water overall. However, a strong partisan divide persists, with high approval among Republicans and strong disapproval among Democrats. Independent voters lean towards disapproval.
Compared to his predecessor, Joe Biden, Trump's initial second-term approval ratings are lower. Biden enjoyed higher approval during his first six months, though his numbers later declined due to challenges such as the Afghanistan withdrawal and economic concerns.
