But by year’s end Mr. Trump’s popularity had sunk to historical lows, as many Americans recoiled from his brutality and his extremism. Sidestepping Congress, Mr. Trump chose to refashion the federal government largely by issuing executive orders at an explosive pace. Continued inaction by the 119th Congress mirrored Mr. Trump’s hyperactivity. Mr. Trump’s extensive tax law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, dwarfed similar packages passed by previous administrations. In addition to on the economy, Mr. Trump’s approval rating has been weakest on the Middle East, Ukraine, the budget and health care.

Source: New York Times December 27, 2025 22:31 UTC