Navigating the Economic Tides: Trump’s Approval Dips Amidst Federal Gridlock
Published: November 12, 2025
As the nation once again grapples with the complexities of federal governance, new polling data reveals a notable shift in public perception regarding President Trump’s performance. Conducted just days before key legislative maneuvers, an AP-NORC poll sheds light on how Americans are viewing the President’s handling of critical areas, particularly the economy, amidst a protracted government shutdown. The findings, gathered between November 6-10, 2025, indicate a significant decline in approval for how the federal government is being managed, echoing past challenges and raising questions about future political landscapes.
The Economic Pulse: A Closer Look at Approval Ratings
The health of the U.S. economy is a perennial concern for citizens and a key metric for any presidency. According to the latest survey, only three in ten adults (33%) express approval of President Trump’s handling of the economy. This figure represents a slight dip from October’s 36% and broadly mirrors the consistent public sentiment observed over recent months. While the President has often highlighted economic indicators as a strength, these poll results suggest a disconnect between official reports and how the public perceives their own financial well-being and the broader national economic trajectory.
Beyond the economy, approval for healthcare management also hovers around three in ten adults (34%), largely unchanged from October’s 31%. These figures paint a picture of public skepticism across vital domestic policy fronts, despite ongoing efforts and legislative debates.
Federal Management Under Scrutiny: A Sharp Decline
Perhaps the most striking finding from the AP-NORC poll, fielded by the renowned NORC at the University of Chicago, is the significant erosion of approval for President Trump’s management of the federal government itself. Only 33% of adults now approve of his performance in this critical area, a notable drop from 43% recorded in March. This decline is particularly significant as it follows a period marked by ongoing legislative stalemates and, as in previous administrations, the specter of a government shutdown – a situation that historically tested public patience, notably during the longest shutdown in U.S. history that stretched from late 2018 into early 2019.
Overall, 62% of adults disapprove of how President Trump is handling his job, with only 36% expressing approval. This overall rating remains largely consistent with October’s figures (61% disapproval, 36% approval), indicating a solidified public sentiment that is resistant to major shifts.
The Unwavering Chasm: A Partisan Divide
Digging deeper into the numbers reveals a persistent and profound partisan divide. While Democrats remain overwhelmingly opposed to the President’s actions – with 95% disapproving of his federal government management compared to 89% in March – the more telling shift comes from within his own party. Republican approval for Trump’s handling of the federal government has seen a noticeable decline, falling from 81% in March to 68% this month.
This internal erosion of support among Republicans suggests that even loyalists may be feeling the strain of prolonged political impasses and the perceived impact on government functionality. It highlights the potential for internal party pressures to mount as the federal gridlock continues.
Beyond the Numbers: What These Polls Indicate
These poll results are more than just statistics; they are a barometer of national sentiment. The consistent low approval ratings across key policy areas – especially the economy and federal government management – underscore the public’s desire for stability and effective governance. The backdrop of a government shutdown, whether current or looming, invariably intensifies public scrutiny and can deeply impact voter confidence. As the political landscape evolves, the ability to address these concerns and demonstrate tangible progress in economic stability and governmental efficiency will be paramount for any administration.
The nationwide poll was conducted using the AmeriSpeak® Panel, NORC’s probability-based panel, ensuring a representative sample of 1,143 adults via online and telephone interviews.
