President Donald Trump's approval ratings are in big trouble according to the latest Fox News poll, which shows that even a network known for being largely deferential to his administration can't spin Trump's falling popularity.
Trump’s approval rating has dipped below levels seen during his first term, with the poll showing growing voter dissatisfaction across most major issues. The poll, conducted April 18–21, found that just 44% of registered voters approve of his performance, while 55% disapprove—a 5-point drop since March and a point lower than his rating at the same stage in his first term.
Other key issues show even steeper declines: only 38% approve of his handling of the economy, and just 33% approve of his response to inflation and tariffs. He also receives negative marks on foreign policy (40% approve), taxes (38%), and gun policy (41%).
Trump's numbers now trail those of past presidents at the 100-day mark, including Biden (54%), Obama (62%), and George W. Bush (63%). While Trump still garners majority approval on border issues (55%), reflecting support for his hardline immigration agenda, the poll shows him narrowly underwater on immigration overall for the first time, with 47% approval and 48% disapproval.
A brutal Fox segment highlighted this point in particular.
With so much on the line—particularly where highly unpopular tariffs and fears of a recession are concerned—Trump is openly frustrated with Fox News, aware that public perception in this moment is critical.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump lashed out at Rupert Murdoch, the chairman emeritus of Fox Corp., in particular, claiming that Murdoch "has told me for years that he is going to get rid of his FoxNews, Trump Hating, Fake Pollster, but he has never done so," saying that "this 'pollster' has gotten me, and MAGA, wrong for years."
It's not known whether Murdoch ever made any promises but not even the typically conservative network can hide just how badly Trump is performing with the average American voter.
The criticism came hard and fast.
Adding to Trump's troubles, voters also believe Trump is overreaching in his push to expand executive power, and many are skeptical of key parts of his agenda, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll.
Voters are expressing growing doubts about Trump’s handling of key issues that helped return him to office, such as the economy and immigration. Just 43 percent approve of his economic management so far, signaling a notable drop in confidence on what was once seen as a strength.
Trump's aggressive tariff policies, which have rattled markets, are opposed by 55 percent of voters — including 63 percent of independents. Altogether, the survey suggests any second-term honeymoon is over. His approval among independents is just 29 percent. Many say he has “gone too far” on multiple fronts — from tariffs and immigration crackdowns to cuts to the federal workforce.
Overall, 54 percent of voters say Trump is “exceeding the powers available to him,” including 16 percent of Republicans and 62 percent of independents.
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