Just months into his second term, President Donald Trump is facing slipping approval ratings and rising political challenges. A new national poll shows only 45% of Americans approve of his performance, down from 49% in January. Meanwhile, 53% believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.

The most surprising shift comes from Texas, where 51% disapprove of Trump’s leadership — including 52% unhappy with his handling of inflation. Even among Texas Republicans, support has dipped slightly.

Internationally, Trump’s recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and his role in brokering a temporary Iran-Israel ceasefire drew both praise and concern. His casual tone at the NATO summit — joking about Iran’s warning before missile strikes — was seen as bold by some, reckless by others.

Despite growing economic unease and foreign tensions, Trump retains strong Republican support, with over 80% backing him. But independents are leaning Democrat, and swing-state fatigue may pose a threat ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Whether this approval dip is temporary or signals deeper voter dissatisfaction remains unclear. But with inflation, global unrest, and shifting voter sentiments, Trump faces a pivotal test in the months ahead — for his presidency and his party.