President-elect Donald Trump is experiencing a surge in popularity just days before his inauguration, reflecting the lingering positive sentiments from his previous term as Americans anticipate another four years under his leadership.
In stark contrast, President Joe Biden is set to depart with a 37% approval rating, coinciding with his farewell address to a nation that seems eager for a change. A recent Emerson College survey, conducted from January 10 to 11 with 1,000 U.S. adults, indicates that Biden’s approval is 12 points lower than his standing prior to taking office. The respondents identified the economy (36%), immigration (17%), and healthcare (12%) as their primary concerns, with the first two issues contributing to Trump’s electoral success. The data suggests that the president-elect’s popularity has increased since the election.
A poll conducted two weeks post-Election Day revealed Trump with a 47% approval rating, surpassing singer Taylor Swift, who garnered 44%. Currently, the proportion of Americans viewing the Republican favorably has risen to 52%, positioning him favorably to advance the MAGA agenda following a decisive electoral victory. Additionally, 55% of respondents in the latest poll believe it is appropriate for courts to hold future presidents accountable for falsifying business records, referencing Trump’s recent legal challenges, including his sentencing to an “unconditional discharge.” Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted that Trump’s conviction underscores existing partisan divides, with independents leaning more towards Democrats on this matter.
It remains uncertain whether Trump can translate his favorable ratings into a widespread perception that the nation is progressing positively. Despite his popularity, a significant two-thirds of survey participants expressed the view that the United States is heading in the wrong direction, a sentiment that spans across political affiliations. According to Emerson’s news release, “All political parties consider the country on the wrong track heading into 2025: 62% of Democrats, along with 70% of Republicans and 69% of independents.” It is important to note that President Biden did not take office in a climate of optimism; four years prior, 54% of voters believed the country was on the wrong path, a figure that has increased due to persistently high prices, an immigration crisis, and substantial financial aid directed overseas to support foreign conflicts.
The individuals who seem to benefit most from President-elect Trump’s favorable standing are his nominees, several of whom are scheduled to undergo confirmation hearings before Senate committees this week. Following the election, 53% of respondents approved of Trump’s management of his transition, while only 40% disapproved. This may clarify why Republican senators are confident that Pete Hegseth, the contentious nominee for the Defense Department, has sufficient support for confirmation as early as next week.
