Public Discontent Grows Over Government Management Amid Shutdown

Fri Dec 05 2025 05:49:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent poll reveals a steep decline in approval ratings for President Trump's government management, particularly among Republicans, as the longest government shutdown continues to impact federal services.

An AP-NORC poll conducted after Democrats' victories in off-year elections shows that President Trump's approval rating for government management has dropped from 43% to 33%. Discontent is notably evident among Republicans, with approval falling to 68%. The survey reflects growing frustration with the ongoing government shutdown that has left many federal workers unpaid and disrupted critical services, while blame for the crisis is shared across party lines. Despite this, Trump's overall presidential approval remains relatively unchanged.

As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history continues, public approval of how President Trump is managing the government is declining sharply, with a significant drop among his own Republican base.

According to a newly released AP-NORC poll, only 33% of U.S. adults now approve of Trump's handling of government management, a notable decrease from 43% earlier this year. This discontent appears to be largely driven by disapproval among Republicans and independents, with only 68% of Republicans expressing approval, down from 81%, and independents' approval plummeting from 38% to just 25%.

The poll was conducted following significant Democratic wins in recent elections, and before Congress took measures to address the prolonged shutdown that has had widespread repercussions, including entanglements in air traffic and delayed paychecks for federal workers.

The financial strain has exacerbated challenges for vulnerable populations, leaving many Americans questioning the stability of their federal benefits.

Beverly Lucas, a Republican and retired educator, articulated her concerns about the government's shutdown, comparing the current administration's decision-making to that of 'a petulant child' in power. Her comments underscore a growing frustration within the party regarding Trump's leadership amid the crisis.

While Trump's overall approval rating remains steady at around 36%, the dissatisfaction related to his government management reveals deeper fissures in support from his base. 95% of Democrats consistently disapprove of Trump's management, mirroring a wide gap between party lines.

In the climate of blame surrounding the shutdown, many Americans attribute fault to both parties for the current state of affairs. As Nora Bailey, a moderate voter, reflected on the ongoing impact of the shutdown on working families, she voiced a collective sentiment for more accountability and decisive action from leadership.

Despite the rising tensions, some Trump supporters maintain their confidence in his policies, attributing the shutdown's impact solely to the opposition party. However, as public sentiment continues to shift, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will influence future government operations and party unity.