Fact Check: Is Trump's approval rating on economy lowest of any second-term POTUS in first year?

WASHINGTON, DC: One year into his second term, President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have seen high initial polarization followed by a steady decline. In January 2025, his approval ratings were in the high 40s. However, his numbers have settled into the high 30s to low 40s.

Recently, a clip circulated on X claiming that Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating on the economy of any second term President in their first year. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.

Claim: Trump has lowest approval rating on economy of any second-term POTUS in first year

Several X users shared a clip where CNN senior data correspondent Harry Enten explained how Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating on the economy of any second-term POTUS in the first year.

A user shared the clip and wrote, "BREAKING: New polling reveals that Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating on the economy of any second term President in their first year. This is terrible news for Donald Trump."

Similarly, another user wrote, "Trump's making economic history... The wrong kind per voters. He has a -19 pt economic net approval, the lowest on record 1 year into a 2nd term. 57% say Trump's hurt the cost of living vs. 40% after term 1, more of a shift than Anakin Skywalker going over to the Dark Side."

"Trump is making history in all the wrong ways:19% economic net approval, lowest on record at 1yr into a 2nd term. 57% say Trump's hurt the cost of living vs 40% after term #1. Wow, that's more of a shift than Anakin Skywalker going over to the Dark Side! Lowest rating in history!," wrote a third user.

Fact Check: Harry Enten cites authentic sources

The claims made on the social media posts are true, as CNN's Harry Enten explained how Trump has the lowest approval rating on the economy of any second-term POTUS in the first year on Friday, January 16.

Citing Roper Center, Enten said that Trump had -19 pts, which was the lowest, and stood right at the bottom. The table was led by Bill Clinton (+35 pts), R Reagan (+17 pts), Barack Obama (-14 pts), and George W Bush (-15 pts). 

A new CNN poll conducted by SSRS showed a majority of Americans said Trump is focused on the wrong priorities and is doing too little to address the cost of living.

Meanwhile, a majority, 58 percent, calls the first year of Trump's term a failure. A 55 percent majority said that Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions in the country, with just 32 percent saying it is an improvement.