Trump's Approval Ratings and Voter Opinions from the August Harvard CAPS / Harris Poll

Results of the August Harvard CAPS / Harris Poll

The latest survey from the Harvard CAPS / Harris Poll, released by Stagwell, reflects significant insights into the political landscape as of August 2025. With Donald Trump's approval rating stabilizing at 47%, it highlights a shift in voter sentiment towards Trump compared to President Joe Biden. Notably, a clear 54% of voters believe that Trump is performing better than Biden, marking an increase of 3 percentage points since last month.

Key Findings

Approval Ratings and Demographics

Among registered voters, Trump's support is notably strong among Republicans, specifically males, white voters aged 25-44, and those residing in rural areas. His approval ratings are highest regarding his performance on crime (51%), immigration (50%), and restoring American values (50%). However, he faces criticism on his handling of inflation and trade policies, each garnering only 41% approval.

Inflation Affects Voter Priorities

Concerns about inflation dominate voter concerns, with 34% of the populace citing it as the most critical issue. Following closely is immigration, which 26% of voters believe to be paramount. Interestingly, 38% of voters feel the economy is moving in the right direction, a sentiment that remains unchanged from the previous month.

Despite these positive indicators for Trump, a majority of voters (42%) report worsening personal financial situations, underscored particularly among Democrats and Independents.

Support for Trump's Policies

The poll reveals that 14 out of Trump's 15 policies continue to enjoy majority support. Initiatives like reducing prescription drug prices and deporting illegal immigrants with criminal records receive overwhelming backing, standing at 86% and 75% respectively. Nonetheless, a significant 55% of respondents worry that Trump's policies could exacerbate inflation, and a majority express skepticism regarding the effectiveness of his tariff strategies.

Stance on Urban Crime and Safety

Concerns over public safety are prevalent, with 56% of voters expressing that major cities in the U.S. are unsafe. This resonates particularly in metropolitan areas like New York City and Los Angeles. Trump’s actions in D.C., which 54% of respondents deem justified, reflect growing anxiety over crime rates.

Complexity Surrounding the Epstein Case

The Epstein scandal remains vital in shaping voter perspectives on Trump, with 65% indicating that transparency around the case could influence their opinion of him. Interestingly, 72% are familiar with the situation, revealing an electorate that demands accountability on various fronts.

Foreign Policy and Global Conflicts

In terms of global policy, Trump's attempts to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war are viewed favorably by 66% of voters. Although skepticism persists around whether his administration can genuinely improve the international landscape, these negotiations account for a rise in positive perceptions of his leadership. Voters exhibit mixed feelings towards the Israel-Hamas conflict, disapproving of Hamas yet showing critical perspectives on Israel’s actions.

Conclusion

The findings of the August Harvard CAPS / Harris Poll underscore a polarized political climate in the U.S. With Trump solidifying his political base while navigating complex challenges such as inflation, urban crime, and international relations, his approval ratings and voter sentiments will be key to shaping the upcoming political cycles. These statistics not only illuminate the current voter landscape but serve as a bellwether for the future of political strategy and policy-making in America.