Donald Trump’s popularity has taken a sharp hit in recent months. In a new ranking released for the second quarter of 2025, the former president placed below both Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. The report, conducted by YouGov, measures how favorably U.S. adults view key political figures.
Trump now sits at the 17th spot on the list. Just 37 percent of adults reported a positive opinion of him. The fall in approval comes as Trump remains active in the political scene. His recent policies, such as a controversial trade tariff and a large legislative bill, have drawn both praise and criticism.
Public reactions to sitting leaders often differ from those toward former officials. Once out of office, political figures are less likely to draw daily criticism. This may help explain why Trump’s numbers have dropped while those of others have remained strong or even improved.
Vice President JD Vance scored higher than Trump, ranking 14th with a 38 percent approval rating. Hillary Clinton came in sixth, earning 47 percent positive feedback. Joe Biden ranked ninth, with 42 percent of respondents viewing him favorably.
At the top of the list is Jimmy Carter. The former president passed away in December 2024 and is remembered positively by many Americans. Carter received the highest favorability score among all leaders surveyed.
Barack Obama, who served from 2009 to 2017, ranked second. Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger claimed the third spot. His support of Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign may have boosted his image. Kamala Harris, now former vice president, came in fourth.
The top 20 list is dominated by Democratic politicians. Of the twenty names, only four are Republicans. George W. Bush was the highest-ranking Republican, coming in at number 11. Marco Rubio, the current Secretary of State, held the 20th position.
Trump’s drop in popularity could impact his influence in the upcoming elections. While his core base remains loyal, broader public support appears to be shrinking. Some experts suggest his ongoing legal troubles and hardline stances may be turning away moderate voters.
In contrast, leaders like Biden and Clinton are benefiting from public familiarity without the pressure of leading day-to-day affairs. Biden, despite stepping back after the 2024 election, continues to hold a solid position among Democrats. Hillary Clinton, who has stayed out of direct political battles, still enjoys strong name recognition and support.
The results also show how public opinion can shift based on current events and personal image. Politicians with steady, calm reputations seem to be faring better than those often at the center of controversy.
The YouGov rankings offer a snapshot of how Americans view their current and past leaders. As political tensions remain high, the popularity of key figures will likely continue to shift in the months ahead.
For Trump, the data serves as a clear signal. While he remains a powerful voice in politics, he now faces increased pressure to win back public trust.
