Trump Approval Rating Drops to New Low Amid Immigration Policy Criticism

President Donald Trump’s approval rating among Americans has fallen to 38%, the lowest level since returning to the White House in January 2025, according to a recent Reuters and Ipsos poll. The president’s approval rating was 41% in mid-January.

Declining Approval and Immigration Policy

The drop in approval ratings is linked to American dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s immigration policy. The poll indicates that 39% of Americans approve of the president’s immigration policies, while 53% disapprove. Earlier this month, those figures were 41% and 50%, respectively.

Did You Know? Approximately 58% of those surveyed believe agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have gone “too far” in tightening measures.

Incidents in Minneapolis Spark Controversy

The decline in public support follows two fatal shootings involving ICE agents in Minneapolis. In early January, an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old U.S. citizen Rene Nicole Good during an operation. This incident prompted widespread protests against federal authorities. Administration officials maintain the agent acted in self-defense, a claim Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed as “complete nonsense,” calling for ICE to “get the hell out.”

On January 24th, ICE agents shot and killed 37-year-old healthcare worker Alex Jeffery Preti in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security initially stated Preti was armed, but video footage shows he was holding a phone, not a gun. He approached the agents, who then subdued him and fired at least ten times.

Shifting Positions and a Potential Deal

Following the second shooting in a month, the Trump administration and the president himself altered their stance regarding the actions of ICE agents, as noted by The Wall Street Journal. Trump dispatched Tom Homan, the official responsible for border security and deportations, to Minnesota. Homan advocated for a “more targeted approach,” focusing on immigrants with criminal records or final deportation orders. Simultaneously, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, a proponent of a stricter approach, left the state.

Trump also signaled a willingness to negotiate, urging Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to collaborate more closely, including assisting in the detention of undocumented immigrants. Administration representatives confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that Trump is prepared to withdraw some ICE agents from the state if Minnesota authorities agree to his terms.

Expert Insight: The administration’s shifting rhetoric and willingness to negotiate suggest a calculation of political risk. The incidents in Minneapolis created a public relations challenge, particularly as the administration approaches midterm elections, and a recalibration of strategy may be an attempt to mitigate further damage.

Political Fallout and Scrutiny

This change in approach followed criticism from Republican supporters, who expressed concern that Trump was squandering public support before the midterm elections, according to The Wall Street Journal. The White House also attempted to attribute blame for the violence to local authorities controlled by the Democratic Party, who restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The Trump administration warned that the violence would not cease unless Democratic governors and mayors assisted federal law enforcement in arresting, detaining, and deporting undocumented immigrants, as reported by The Washington Post.

Video evidence contradicting initial federal accounts of the Preti shooting—showing agents taking possession of a gun before opening fire—has prompted calls for further investigation. Local police stated Preti legally possessed the weapon.

Initially, Trump reacted aggressively to Preti’s death, labeling him a “shooter” and posting a picture of his licensed pistol. However, his comments to The Wall Street Journal on Sunday were more ambiguous: “I don’t like any shootings. I don’t like them,” noted The Washington Post.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also adopted a more conciliatory tone during a White House press briefing, calling Preti’s death a “tragedy” and appearing to retreat from previous comments by Trump advisor Stephen Miller, who had called Preti a “potential killer,” according to The Guardian.

The widespread outrage is reverberating in Washington, with increasing numbers of Republicans demanding a more thorough investigation into the tactics of federal immigration authorities in Minnesota. Democrats have pledged to halt further funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security unless an upcoming Senate bill is amended to include reforms limiting the actions of federal agents during deportations, as reported by The Guardian.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused President Trump’s approval rating to decline?

The decline is attributed to dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s immigration policy, particularly following two fatal shootings involving ICE agents in Minneapolis.

What was the administration’s initial response to the shootings?

Initially, administration officials defended the actions of the ICE agents, claiming self-defense. However, following public outcry and criticism, the administration shifted its position and signaled a willingness to negotiate.

What is the administration offering to Minnesota officials?

The administration is offering to withdraw some ICE agents from Minnesota if Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey agree to cooperate more closely with federal authorities in detaining undocumented immigrants.

As the situation evolves, will the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement continue to shift in response to public and political pressure?