Donald Trump Just Broke a Presidential World Record—For All the Wrong Reasons.
Donald Trump’s presidency has been anything but ordinary. Despite securing victory in the 2024 U.S. election, he has now set a record that no president would want.
Just months after winning re-election, Trump has become one of the most unpopular presidents at the start of a new term. A recent Gallup poll reveals that his approval rating is at an all-time low for an incumbent president, a stark contrast to the traditional “honeymoon period” that most leaders experience.
Megan Brenan, a senior editor at Gallup, stated: “At 47%, President Donald Trump’s initial job approval rating for his second term is similar to his first-term inaugural rating of 45%, making him the only elected president with sub-50% approval ratings at the start of both terms.” She added that his disapproval rating has climbed to 48%, three percentage points higher than in 2017.
Historically, most presidents have enjoyed strong early approval ratings. John F. Kennedy holds the record for the highest, while Dwight Eisenhower (1953) and Barack Obama (2009) also started their presidencies with solid support at 68%. In contrast, Trump’s numbers remain significantly lower, suggesting widespread division among the American public.
Brenan further noted that Trump’s ratings stand out because Americans are more likely to actively disapprove of his performance rather than remain undecided. While some polls indicate a slight improvement in his approval, overall trends suggest that many remain dissatisfied.
Beyond politics, Trump’s presidency has also sparked a wave of celebrity departures from the U.S. Several high-profile figures have voiced their concerns about the country’s direction under his leadership, with some choosing to leave altogether.
Actress Eva Longoria, who now divides her time between Spain and Mexico, shared her concerns in an interview with Marie Claire: “If he keeps his promises, it’s going to be a scary place. I’m privileged—I get to escape. Most Americans aren’t so lucky. They’re stuck in this dystopian country.”
Similarly, former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have reportedly relocated to the UK, with sources suggesting they have no intention of returning while Trump remains in power.
As Trump embarks on his second term, the record-breaking disapproval ratings highlight the deep divide in American politics—and the growing number of people, including celebrities, who are distancing themselves from his administration.