Here’s a clear, concise summary of the first 11 months of Donald Trump’s presidency (his second term, Jan 2025–Nov 2025) alongside context for the recent low approval rating (≈37%) as of this writing date.
Recent polls show President Trump’s overall approval around 36 %–37 %, one of the lowest points of his second term, with particularly weak marks on the economy and immigration. Disapproval is over 60 %. Axios+1
Ratings on economic handling recently hit a record low (~31 %), reflecting public frustration with affordability and inflation. Axios
Some polls show slight short-term upticks tied to GOP messaging on cost-of-living, but approval remains well below majorities. Reuters
Key Themes & Events in the First 11 Months of Trump’s Second Term
1) Second Inauguration & Early Executive Actions (Jan 2025)
Trump was inaugurated on Jan 20, 2025, emphasizing border security, economic revival, and rolling back many Biden administration policies. New York Post
On Day 1 and in the first two weeks, he issued a flurry of executive orders reversing Biden-era initiatives on climate, DEI programs, and gender identity policies, and pardoned many January 6 rioters. Vox+1
He also fired several inspectors general and senior officials, signaling a broader reshaping of the federal bureaucracy early in his term. Wikipedia
2) Immigration & Border Enforcement
Central to Trump’s agenda has been aggressive immigration enforcement: expanding travel bans, halting immigration from multiple countries, and pushing deportations. The Washington Post
Legal challenges and public backlash accompanied many immigration moves, contributing to contentious political battles throughout the year.
3) Trade, Tariffs, and Protectionism
Trump expanded tariffs on imports from countries such as Canada and Brazil as part of his “economic nationalism” and anti-drug/industrial strategy. Holland & Knight
Some exemptions and modifications to these tariffs were later enacted, showing ongoing adjustments to the trade agenda. NCSL
4) Civil Rights & Domestic Policy Rollbacks
The Department of Justice rescinded decades-old disparate impact anti-discrimination rules, narrowing civil rights enforcement. Politico
Federal protections for monarch butterflies were delayed, part of broader environmental deregulatory moves. AP News
5) AI & Regulatory Policy
Trump signed an executive order aiming to preempt state-level AI regulations, signaling a federal effort to centralize tech oversight. The Guardian
6) Foreign Affairs
On the world stage, Trump brokered or announced a renewed ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia—a notable diplomatic milestone. AP News
Relations with traditional allies showed strain in some areas amid protectionist and isolationist rhetoric. The Washington Post
U.S. sanctions policy also shifted, with sanctions on a Brazilian judge being lifted to ease diplomatic tensions. Reuters
7) Large-Scale Protests & Public Response
Mass protests like the June and October “No Kings” demonstrations mobilized millions across the U.S. against perceived authoritarianism and centralization of power. Wikipedia+1
Earlier “Hands Off” protests added to a year marked by broad civic opposition from multiple demographic groups. Wikipedia
8) Political Fallout & GOP Dynamics
Internal GOP and MAGA movement divisions grew over strategy and policy priorities, weakening pushback coordination. Axios
Republican control of Congress faced tensions over expenditures, healthcare, and spending bills as the 2026 midterm cycle nears.
Why Approval Ratings Are Down
The decline in Trump’s approval rating reflects a combination of factors:
Policy Backlash
Voters disapprove of economic conditions and cost-of-living concerns. Axios
Immigration enforcement policies are unpopular with many independents and minority voters. The Washington Post
Civil rights and environmental rollbacks sparked broad criticism.
Polarized Public Opinion
While Republicans and loyalists remain supportive, independents and minority supporters who backed Trump in 2024 have shifted away. The Washington Post
Protests & Civic Mobilization
Nationwide protests signify sustained public resistance to Trump’s agenda and governing style. Wikipedia
Governance Challenges
Disputes over budget, tariffs, executive authority, and lawsuits have fueled perceptions of instability in governance.
📌 In Summary
Across his first 11 months (Jan–Nov 2025), President Trump’s second term has been defined by:
Rapid executive action on immigration, deregulation, trade, and civil rights.
Controversial domestic and economic policies unpopular with broad segments of the public.
Strong GOP base support, but weakening approval among independents and minority voters.
Large grassroots opposition and protests reflecting polarization.
Low approval ratings (around 36–37%) that mirror public frustration with the economy and divisive policies. Axios
Meanwhile,
I received the following posting from a Fellow THD Resident today:
Hello All -I had hoped to send you a copy of Heather Cox Richardson's summary of this from :
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