In the second quarter of 2025, a recent YouGov ranking revealed a decline in President Donald Trump’s popularity, placing him behind both former President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Trump’s standing has been impacted by his involvement in various divisive issues, notably his “big, beautiful bill” and expenditure policies. A sitting president often attracts criticism due to their active role in governance, while past leaders benefit from a level of nostalgia and detachment from current controversies. This dynamic can shift perspectives on popularity, as the electorate navigates the intricacies of political decision-making and its implications.
In the YouGov rankings, President Trump sits at 17th place, garnering a positive opinion from 37% of surveyed adults. Vice President JD Vance stands just above him at 14th with 38%. In contrast, Hillary Clinton occupies the sixth spot at 47%, while Joe Biden comes in ninth at 42%. The top ranks are dominated by notable figures such as former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in December 2024, claiming the first position, followed closely by former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris. This list illustrates the persistent appeal of certain past leaders in the public eye.
The demographic makeup of the YouGov survey has been weighted to reflect the national population, ensuring that the results provide a representative snapshot of opinions across the U.S. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the ranking tends to favor Democrats, suggesting that Trump’s lower standing may partly stem from the political leanings of surveyed individuals. In fact, out of the top 20 figures listed, only four are Republicans, indicating a significant bias that could influence the perception of Trump’s popularity relative to past presidents.
Notably, Trump has been labeled the most unpopular living president according to the YouGov data. However, a different poll from Quantus Insights presents a more favorable view, ranking him as the second-most popular U.S. president of the 21st century, trailing only Obama. This contrast between the two polls highlights how different methodologies and sample populations can yield varying results regarding a political figure’s popularity, illustrating the complexity of public opinion in a polarized political landscape.
In a recent post on his platform, Truth Social, Trump reflected on his policy initiatives, expressing gratitude to law enforcement agencies for their efforts. He highlighted what he termed the “ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT,” which he claims will fund significant immigration enforcement measures, including extensive deportations, which he refers to as “REMIGRATION.” This emphasis on law and order aligns with his ongoing narrative of restoring safety and stability in America, although it remains to be seen how such policies will resonate with the electorate and influence future rankings of his approval.
Ultimately, the fluctuating popularity of political figures like Trump underscores the fragile nature of public opinion, especially in turbulent political times. As ongoing political debates and policy decisions unfold, the sentiment towards current leaders may continue to evolve. The comparisons with past presidents reveal how legacy and nostalgia play a critical role in shaping public perception that can diverge significantly from the realities faced by current officeholders.
