Trump’s Approval Rating Climbs to 44% as Recession Fears Ease, Poll Shows

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has risen to 44%, up from 42% in late April, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted May 12-13, 2025. The two-day survey indicates growing confidence in Trump’s economic stewardship, with approval in this area increasing to 39% from 36%, despite ongoing concerns about his tariff policies.The poll, which has a margin of error of 3 percentage points, reflects a decline in Americans’ worries about a potential recession. Only 69% of respondents expressed concern about an economic downturn, down from 76% in a mid-April Reuters/Ipsos survey. Similarly, anxiety about the stock market dropped, with 60% of respondents worried compared to 67% previously. This shift follows Trump’s recent decision to scale back some of his aggressive trade actions, including slashing tariffs on China, which had previously rattled markets.Trump, who began his second term with a 47% approval rating, has faced criticism for trade wars that economists warned could trigger a recession. While inflation cooled in April, experts caution that Trump’s policies may drive prices higher later this year. The poll also revealed a partisan divide, with 59% of respondents saying Trump would be to blame for any recession in 2025, compared to 37% pointing to his predecessor, Joe Biden.Despite the uptick in approval, Trump’s economic handling remains divisive, with strong support from Republicans but skepticism among Democrats and independents. The poll suggests a cautious optimism among Americans, though economic uncertainties linger.