Harvard University dropped a surprising bombshell on President Donald Trump’s approval rating Monday, releasing a pol that shows Trump’s overall approval stands at 52% one month into his second term — ten points higher that former President Joe Biden’s average of 42.2% approval throughout his term.
A majority of Americans support the Trump administration’s key policy initiatives, according to the February Harvard CAPS/Harris poll.
Americans expressed the strongest support for Trump’s policies addressing illegal immigration, government efficiency, and social issues.
“People are taking a generally positive wait-and-see attitude for Trump, but have really reassessed their attitudes toward Biden, Harris, and the Democrats, taking a much harsher, more negative attitude,” said Mark Penn, co-director of the Harvard CAPS/Harris poll. “Trump has a real opportunity here.”
Public optimism about the country’s direction has improved substantially, with 42% saying America is on the right track—a 14-point increase from January. Nearly half of respondents described the economy as “strong,” the highest percentage since 2021.
Illegal immigration enforcement measures received the highest approval ratings, with 81% supporting deportation of criminal illegal immigrants and 76% backing increased border security. The administration’s focus on government efficiency also resonated with voters, as 76% supported efforts to eliminate fraud and waste.
On fiscal policy, 67% of respondents believe current federal debt levels are unsustainable, with 83% favoring spending cuts over tax increases to address budget concerns. The poll showed 59% support cutting government spending already approved by Congress, while 77% back a “full examination of all government expenditures.”
Social policy initiatives garnered significant support, with 69% backing measures to keep transgenders out of female sports and 68% supporting a government declaration recognizing only two genders.
Additionally, 65% approved of ending race-based hiring in government.
The poll revealed mixed feelings on foreign policy, with 60% supporting direct U.S.-Russia negotiations to end the Ukraine war and 63% backing a review of foreign aid expenditures. On trade, 61% supported reciprocal tariffs, though the poll indicated some concerns about the broader international approach.
Trump administration officials including Vice President JD Vance, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Attorney General Pam Bondi all received net positive favorability ratings.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s approval hit a record low at 36%, with disapproval from 33% of Democrats, 86% of Republicans, and 70% of independents. The Republican Party maintained a stronger position with 49% approval.
Not all presidential initiatives found favor with the public—Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America was the only policy specifically noted as failing to receive majority support.
NEW Harvard-Harris Poll:
🟢 Trump approval: 52% (+9)
🔴 Trump disapproval: 43%58% say he is doing better than Biden
81% support deporting criminal aliens
76% support eliminating fraud, waste
76% support closing the U.S. border
70% support merit-based hiring
61% support…— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 24, 2025