By A recent CBS News poll indicates that President Donald Trump has reached his highest approval rating since taking office, with 53 percent of voters expressing support just weeks into his second term. The survey also shows that a strong majority believes he is following through on key campaign promises, particularly in areas such as immigration, foreign policy, and reducing government spending.
Conducted from February 5-7 with a sample of 2,175 U.S. adults, the poll reveals that 70 percent of respondents, regardless of approval, feel Trump is delivering on his commitments. Anthony Salvanto, CBS News Elections and Surveys Executive Director, highlighted on Face the Nation that Trump’s consistency in keeping promises is a significant factor in his support. Many respondents view him as “tough” (69 percent), “energetic” (63 percent), “focused” (60 percent), and “effective” (58 percent). Additionally, 49 percent of those surveyed said Trump has exceeded their expectations in his second term, while 41 percent feel his performance is as expected.
Trump’s immigration policies remain a strong point of approval, with 59 percent supporting his stance on deporting criminal undocumented immigrants. However, economic concerns are widespread. Two-thirds (66 percent) of respondents feel the administration is not making lowering consumer prices a priority, while 31 percent believe its approach is appropriate. Price increases continue to be a major issue, with 47 percent noticing overall rising costs, and specific concerns focused on the prices of eggs (63 percent) and gasoline (33 percent).
Foreign policy remains a divisive topic, especially regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Trump’s handling of the situation has a 54 percent approval rating, with 46 percent disapproving. His recent remark that the U.S. could “take over” the Gaza Strip to establish peace received mixed reactions—47 percent opposed the idea, 40 percent were uncertain, and 13 percent supported it. Awareness of this statement appeared limited, as only 28 percent of respondents reported having read “a lot” about it.
The news seemed to take many liberals off guard, including CNN’s lead polling guru, Harry Enten.
🚨NEW: CNN’s Harry Enten blown away by Trump’s popularity surge 🚨
“Holy smokes. I mean, look at what the difference is between now versus eight years ago … You go back to 2017, Trump was already underwater at -5 points in the net approval rating … What a difference eight… pic.twitter.com/DYU1DiSI1A
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) February 10, 2025
In a far-reaching interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier on Super Bowl Sunday, President Trump defended his administration’s early actions in his second term, which have been characterized by sweeping governmental restructuring and bold expansionist rhetoric. One of his most contentious decisions has been appointing billionaire Elon Musk to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a bureau designed to drastically reduce federal expenditures. Musk, who has been granted nearly unrestricted access to federal agencies, has already implemented substantial budget cuts, including an attempt to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). However, a federal court has temporarily blocked this effort. Additionally, another court ruling has restricted Musk’s access to Treasury Department data following concerns raised by multiple state attorneys general. Despite these legal obstacles, Trump reaffirmed his confidence in Musk, asserting that his mission to root out “fraud and abuse” aligns with the will of the American people, explained NPR.
On the international stage, Trump has advanced an ambitious—albeit controversial—foreign policy agenda, echoing expansionist ideals reminiscent of 19th-century Manifest Destiny. He has proposed integrating Canada as the “51st state,” reclaiming the Panama Canal, purchasing Greenland, and even asserting American ownership over Gaza. These proposals have been accompanied by aggressive economic strategies, including the threat of tariffs on Mexico and Canada, which have been temporarily deferred in exchange for increased military enforcement along the borders. However, Trump indicated that additional trade restrictions are forthcoming, announcing imminent tariffs on aluminum, steel, and other reciprocal trade measures.
Trump’s presence at Super Bowl LIX—where the Philadelphia Eagles triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs—also underscored his ongoing influence in cultural and sports-related debates. In his interview, Trump praised Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes while revisiting past tensions with the Eagles, whom he disinvited from the White House in 2018 over national anthem protests. His attendance coincided with the NFL’s decision to replace the “End Racism” end zone slogans with “Choose Love,” a move that Trump implicitly endorsed by emphasizing national unity through economic prosperity.
His attendance at the Super Bowl was the first time that a president had ever attended the big game.
