American presidents almost always get a “honeymoon” following their inauguration. Marked by approval ratings above 50 percent and often exceeding 60 percent, the honeymoon is an opportune time to set an economic and foreign policy agenda and work with Congress to pass legislation. This “era of good feelings” tends to wane within six to 12 months.

In his first term, Donald Trump became the only president never to have a true honeymoon. He began his second term with approval ratings above 50 percent, but in less than three months he is again underwater in virtually all the high-quality surveys.

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In a poll conducted by the Wall Street Journal, 52 percent of respondents disapproved of his handling of the economy — usually his strong suit — up 12 points since October 2024. Even before “Liberation Day” and the huge stock market plunge, only 42 percent gave his tariff policies a thumbs up. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 36 percent of Americans think the administration and so-called Department of Government Efficiency are doing a competent job in reducing the number of federal employees.

© The Hill