How Do Voters Feel About Biden vs Trump? The Latest Polls the 2024 election may be over, but the national conversation hasn’t slowed. As voters settle into the reality of another term with Donald Trump at the helm and Joe Biden’s legacy still looming large, public opinion continues to shift in fascinating ways. Approval ratings offer a revealing window into how Americans are feeling about both figures right now. Whether you’re a political junkie or just curious where the nation stands, these numbers are more than just stats—they’re a pulse on public mood. Let’s dive deep into the Biden Trump approval ratings and unpack the story they tell.
Where Trump Stands Now
President Trump’s second term has ignited both celebration and concern across the political spectrum. Recent data shows his approval rating hovering around 42 percent—a noticeable drop from earlier highs. What’s driving this? A few big moves.
Trump’s aggressive executive orders have reignited debates around presidential power. From sweeping tariff announcements to controversial education reforms, critics argue he’s overreaching. Supporters, on the other hand, see a leader finally dismantling what they view as entrenched bureaucracy.
Dig deeper into the numbers and you’ll find party lines remain firm. Around 90 percent of Republicans still approve of Trump’s performance. But among Democrats, that figure barely scrapes 4 percent. Independents are hovering at about 37 percent—a key metric since they often sway national elections.
Economic Confidence and Wall Street Wobbles
Economic policy is often the backbone of any presidency, and for Trump, it’s been a double-edged sword. On one hand, some business leaders applaud his deregulatory agenda and tough stance on foreign trade. On the other, his tariff-heavy approach has rattled investors. The stock market recently experienced a dip, following announcements of sweeping tariffs and new trade restrictions.
Public confidence in Trump’s handling of the economy has taken a hit, settling around 44 percent. Interestingly, even though that number isn’t overwhelmingly high, it still surpasses public confidence in Congress and the Federal Reserve. That says something.
Republicans remain optimistic about their party’s stewardship of the economy, but Democratic voters have expressed growing skepticism—not just of Trump, but of their own party’s ability to present a compelling economic alternative.
What About Biden?
Though he’s no longer in office, Joe Biden’s legacy still resonates with voters—and so do his final approval ratings. At the start of his term, Biden enjoyed an average approval rating of about 57 percent. But by the end, that number had dropped significantly, settling around 38 percent.
What caused the drop? A combination of inflation concerns, frustrations over foreign policy handling, and internal party divisions contributed to the decline. While Biden successfully managed several key legislative wins, his communication strategy and the perception of stagnation hurt him with undecided and swing voters.
That said, Biden’s image hasn’t evaporated. Many Americans still view him favorably in comparison to Trump, particularly when it comes to temperament and perceived integrity. His softer leadership style appeals to voters weary of constant conflict.
Generational and Regional Divides
The Biden Trump approval ratings show clear generational splits. Older voters, particularly those aged 65 and above, lean more toward Trump, citing economic security and traditional values. Meanwhile, younger voters under 35 skew toward Biden, driven by concerns over climate change, student loans, and social justice.
Regionally, the approval map is equally divided. Trump sees stronger support in the South and Midwest, while Biden maintains a solid base in the Northeast and along the West Coast. Suburban areas—once battlegrounds—are now leaning unpredictably, often swinging based on specific local concerns rather than national trends.
Media, Misinformation, and Trust
One of the most influential forces in shaping approval ratings is media perception. Trust in media has sharply declined in recent years, and both Trump and Biden have experienced the impact of media narratives, both fair and biased.
Trump’s combative relationship with mainstream media has only intensified during his second term. This strategy resonates with his base, who view him as a fighter against establishment forces. However, it continues to alienate moderates and left-leaning independents.
Biden, on the other hand, maintained a more traditional approach to media during his presidency. While this was seen as presidential by some, others found it lacking in charisma and energy. In an age where viral soundbites can shape public opinion faster than policy wins, Biden’s style was often overshadowed by louder voices.
The Role of Key Issues
When people answer approval surveys, they’re not just thinking about personality—they’re reacting to policy outcomes that touch their daily lives. That’s where issue-specific approval plays a crucial role.
On healthcare, Biden had the upper hand during his presidency. His efforts to lower prescription drug prices and expand healthcare coverage were well received, especially among working-class voters and retirees.
Trump, meanwhile, gains higher marks on issues of national security and immigration. His strict border policies and aggressive stance on international diplomacy continue to resonate with a large portion of the electorate.
Climate policy is another area where Biden and Trump split public opinion. Younger, environmentally conscious voters rated Biden higher due to his support for clean energy initiatives and rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement. Trump’s rollback of environmental regulations has, however, earned praise from fossil fuel stakeholders and those concerned about the economic cost of green transitions.
Women, Minorities, and Approval Trends
Another compelling element of the Biden Trump approval ratings is how different demographic groups perceive each leader.
Among women, Biden generally fares better, particularly on issues related to reproductive rights, gender equity, and childcare. Trump’s approval rating among women tends to dip when those issues dominate the headlines.
Among minority communities, Biden maintains a stronger approval base, though not as high as expected in some circles. Latinos and Black voters showed signs of softening support, with some shifting toward Trump over concerns like inflation and border policies.
Asian American voters continue to lean toward Biden, especially in urban centers where educational policies and healthcare access remain top concerns.
Approval Ratings vs Election Outcomes
While approval ratings can be telling, they aren’t always predictive. Voters may disapprove of a leader but still choose them in a general election when presented with limited alternatives. That’s the paradox many pollsters are watching as they compare Biden Trump approval ratings to actual voting trends.
Trump’s base remains energized, and in many ways, more loyal than ever. Biden’s supporters, meanwhile, may be less vocal but more consistently moderate—favoring stability over spectacle. That contrast can complicate projections.
Another complicating factor is voter turnout. Approval ratings don’t always correlate with who shows up at the polls. Enthusiasm and mobilization efforts on the ground can shift outcomes significantly, even in districts where one candidate polls lower.
Looking Ahead
Both Trump and Biden have shaped—and continue to shape—the American political landscape in strikingly different ways. Approval ratings offer just a snapshot, not the full canvas. Still, they illuminate broader sentiments about leadership, competence, and vision for the country.
As more data rolls in over the coming months, expect fluctuations. World events, economic shifts, legal challenges, and unforeseen crises can all swing public opinion dramatically. But for now, the divide is clear, the stakes are high, and the conversation is far from over.
The Biden Trump approval ratings reveal a nation not just split between two men, but two philosophies of governance, two visions of America’s future, and two entirely different approaches to power. Understanding where the public currently stands is critical—not just for political analysts, but for every citizen invested in the country’s direction.