WASHINGTON, D.C. – Early in his second term, President Donald Trump holds a net positive approval rating among American adults, according to a recent national survey. The poll, conducted by CBS News/YouGov, suggests that many Americans view the opening weeks of his administration as energetic and believe the President is actively fulfilling the promises he made during his 2024 presidential campaign.
The survey, which canvassed a nationally representative sample of 2,175 U.S. adults between February 5 and 7, 2025, offers a snapshot of public sentiment shortly after the inauguration. While demonstrating an overall positive standing for President Trump early in his tenure, the findings also highlight key areas of public concern, particularly regarding economic policy.
Public Perception of Early Performance
A significant finding from the CBS News/YouGov poll is the net positive approval rating for President Trump. This early assessment provides insight into how the public is reacting to the initial policy actions and tone of the administration. Complementing this, a notable segment of the American populace indicated they believe President Trump is exceeding expectations in his first few weeks back in office.
This perception of an “energetic” start, as noted in the original summary of the poll’s findings, appears linked to the public’s view of the President’s commitment to his campaign platform.
Following Through on Campaign Pledges
One of the most striking results of the survey is the widespread belief that President Trump is making good on his 2024 campaign promises. A large majority of the public expressed the view that the President is following through on the pledges he articulated during the election cycle.
This finding could be interpreted as a reflection of the administration’s focused efforts on specific policy areas that resonated with voters in 2024, or simply a perception shaped by the prominent messaging of the early weeks of the presidency.
Key Policy Views: Immigration
The poll delved into public opinion on core policy areas, with immigration featuring prominently. The survey found that public support for President Trump’s proposed mass deportation program remains consistent with sentiment observed during the 2024 campaign. This level of support is particularly pronounced among those who voted for President Trump in the last election.
Relatedly, the survey indicates that more Americans now support the deployment of U.S. troops to the border. This marks a potential shift or reinforcement of views on border security measures.
However, public opinion is more divided when it comes to establishing large detention centers. While the overall public shows split views, the concept garners strong support specifically among President Trump’s 2024 voters. This highlights a notable divergence in perspective between the general population and the President’s core political base on this particular aspect of immigration enforcement policy.
Economic Concerns Remain
Despite the positive overall approval and the perception of promises kept, the poll identified a significant area of public concern: the administration’s perceived lack of focus on lowering prices. This finding is particularly noteworthy given that inflation and the cost of living were central issues during the 2024 election.
The survey suggests that while other aspects of the President’s agenda may be viewed positively, the tangible economic pressures facing households, particularly concerning prices, remain a primary worry for many Americans and an area where the administration is seen as not adequately prioritizing.
Fiscal Policy Perceptions
The survey also touched upon views concerning fiscal policy. Among President Trump’s key supporters – specifically Trump voters from 2024 and many Republicans – there is a prevailing belief that the administration is adequately focused on reducing spending and foreign aid. This indicates that for a crucial part of his political coalition, the administration is perceived as addressing concerns about government expenditure and international commitments.
Poll Methodology
The findings are based on a CBS News/YouGov survey conducted from February 5-7, 2025. The sample consisted of 2,175 U.S. adults and is weighted to be nationally representative. The poll has a margin of error of ±2.5 points, reflecting the statistical variability inherent in survey data.
In conclusion, the CBS News/YouGov poll paints a picture of an early presidency marked by positive overall approval and a public perception that President Trump is actively working to fulfill campaign pledges. However, it also underscores persistent concerns about the economy, particularly the cost of living, and reveals nuanced public attitudes towards key policies like immigration enforcement.
