For the first time in his political career, President-elect Donald Trump has reached a net-positive favorability rating in the RealClearPolitics (RCP) average. This unprecedented achievement, recorded on December 4, 2024, shows a 49.1% favorability rating compared to a 47.6% unfavorability rating. Four days later, Trump’s favorability climbed slightly to 49.4%, while his unfavorability dipped further to 47.4%.
Trump’s journey to this milestone has been marked by dramatic swings in public opinion. When he first announced his candidacy in July 2015, his favorability stood at a meager 22.7%, while his unfavorability peaked at a staggering 64.5% in April 2016. Following his 2016 election, public perception began to shift. By early 2017, Trump’s unfavorability had dropped to 47.8%, with his favorability climbing to 44.5%. However, during his presidency and afterward, Trump’s ratings remained underwater, rarely exceeding 45%.
In late 2022, Trump’s favorability hit a low of 36.8%, but it began to rebound in the months that followed. By October 2024, his favorability surpassed 45% for the first time in years. A turning point came after the November 2024 election, as Trump’s favorability and unfavorability ratings steadily closed the gap. This upward trend culminated in the December breakthrough, solidifying his growing popularity among Americans.
Trump’s remarkable rise in public opinion coincides with a political narrative of perseverance. From facing two impeachments to surviving two assassination attempts, the president-elect has defied a barrage of challenges. Critics and supporters alike have acknowledged the extraordinary nature of his political journey, with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich likening Trump to a “mythic figure” akin to characters from Scandinavian sagas.
Gingrich remarked, “There’s no practical way that you can explain Trump within a normal political structure. The guy just keeps coming.” Trump’s unyielding drive and ability to resonate with a significant portion of the American electorate have propelled his resurgence, even in the face of intense media scrutiny and legal battles.
This shift in public perception underscores a broader trend of discontent with traditional political structures and a growing appetite for unconventional leadership. Trump’s ability to command attention and galvanize support speaks to his enduring influence on American politics and the evolving priorities of the electorate.
For many Americans, this moment reflects more than a political statistic—it represents a turning tide in national sentiment. As Trump prepares to assume office, his favorability ratings indicate renewed confidence among voters who see him as a leader capable of navigating the complexities of domestic and international challenges.
