As of January 2026, President Donald Trump has completed one year of his second term, during which he has implemented numerous policy initiatives. However, his favorability ratings have seen little improvement, with a recent I&I/TIPP Poll indicating a decline in overall favorability to 41%, down from 44% in December 2025. Concurrently, his unfavorability rating has increased to 49%, resulting in a net favorability of minus-8%.

Comparative data from March 2025 shows that Trump's favorability was at 47%, with an unfavorability of 43%, yielding a net positive rating of plus-4%. The latest figures reveal a decrease in support from independents and Democrats, as well as a slight decline among Republican voters. In January 2026, favorability ratings were reported as follows: Democrats (13% favorable, 82% unfavorable), independents (30% favorable, 53% unfavorable), and Republicans (80% favorable, 13% unfavorable).

In terms of job approval, Trump's rating stands at 40% with a disapproval rating of 51%, a drop from 46% approval in March 2025. The perception of Trump's leadership remains relatively strong, with 41% of respondents describing it as either "very strong" or "strong."

Trump's administration has been characterized by a rapid pace of policy announcements. Notable actions since January 1, 2026, include military intervention in Venezuela, threats of intervention in Iran, a proposed cap on credit card interest rates, withdrawal from over 30 United Nations programs, and significant financial maneuvers in the housing market.

Despite the contentious nature of these policies, they reflect a proactive approach to governance. However, the speed and nature of these initiatives may contribute to the declining favorability ratings. In terms of specific policy evaluations, Trump received higher grades from Republican respondents, particularly in areas such as immigration and energy policy, while facing criticism in healthcare and foreign relations.

The upcoming mid-term elections in 2026 are anticipated to be pivotal for Trump and the Republican Party, with economic performance likely influencing public perception. Recent economic indicators suggest potential growth, with the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts and a projected GDP expansion of 5.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul are facing significant fiscal challenges. Mamdani's ambitious spending plans have drawn comparisons to past leaders like Robert F. Wagner Jr., whose strategies contributed to financial instability in the 1970s. Mamdani is projected to face a budget deficit of at least $2 billion in the current fiscal year, with estimates suggesting that budget gaps could exceed $37 billion by fiscal year 2029. This situation underscores the importance of balancing ambitious spending with fiscal responsibility, particularly in light of potential economic downturns that could exacerbate existing financial challenges.

At the international level, the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) held in Brazil in November 2025 saw several countries endorse the "Declaration on Information Integrity on Climate Change." This initiative aims to combat climate disinformation, but critics argue it may limit public discourse on climate policies. Desiree Fixler, a whistleblower, has highlighted a disconnect between elite climate narratives and the economic realities faced by citizens, such as rising energy costs. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called for urgent climate action, emphasizing the economic benefits of clean energy, yet alternative energy solutions like nuclear fusion are not adequately considered in the current climate discourse.

Overall, these developments reflect a complex interplay between governance, public perception, and the pressing need for inclusive discussions on economic and environmental policies.