President Donald Trump’s approval rating has shown a modest uptick following recent developments in international trade and improved public confidence in the economy.

A new national poll revealed a small rise in Trump’s approval that coincides with trade agreements and a recovering stock market, signaling a potential shift in public perception after months of economic uncertainty, as Fox News reports.

The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted May 12–13, reports that Trump’s approval rating stands at 44%, marking a two-point increase from the previous survey taken in late April. His disapproval rating remains higher at 52%, but the small increase falls within the poll's margin of error. Still, the trend suggests a slight shift in favor of the president.

The timing of the poll was significant. It followed Trump’s May 8 announcement of a preliminary trade agreement with the United Kingdom, a deal he celebrated during an Oval Office briefing. Additionally, a U.S.-China trade truce helped spark a rally in the stock market, contributing to an improved economic outlook.

Signs of public approval emerged in economic perceptions as well. According to the poll, 39% of respondents approved of Trump’s handling of the economy, a three-point gain compared to the previous month. This bump in support comes after months of concern fueled by a tariff standoff that sparked fears of a recession.

Tariff adjustments ease market anxiety

This shift in opinion follows Trump’s decision to ease some of the tougher tariff measures that had dominated headlines since he returned to office in January. The initial rollout of tariffs in early April led to investor turmoil and steep market sell-offs. These economic shocks quickly raised alarms over the possibility of a recession and significantly impacted Trump’s standing in national polling.

Public anxiety around a recession has since eased. In the most recent numbers, 69% of Americans expressed concern about an economic downturn, down from 76% a month prior. Similarly, concern about volatility in the stock market dropped seven points to 60% -- both indicators of growing optimism in the economic direction under Trump’s administration.

Despite these improvements, the president’s overall approval rating remains underwater, with more Americans expressing disapproval than support. Compared to his immediate post-inauguration polling in January, Trump has not yet regained the support levels seen at the outset of his return to office.

Poll averages, explained

The Reuters/Ipsos results align closely with the most recent Fox News poll conducted from April 18 to 21, which also placed Trump’s approval at 44%, but with slightly higher disapproval at 55%. On average, national polls indicate that the president’s net approval is still about four percentage points negative.

Though still in negative territory, this marks a mild improvement from just a few weeks prior. The upward movement may reflect a growing willingness among voters to reassess Trump’s performance, especially amid frustrations with former President Joe Biden’s handling of inflation and other economic issues -- a dynamic that played a significant role in Trump’s victory last November.

Trump has now been in office for under 150 days since his return in January. His approval still hovers below majority levels but shows signs of stabilizing as key economic indicators begin to move in a more favorable direction.

Strategists see momentum growing

Political observers suggest Trump’s recent moves may reflect a calculated effort to stabilize the economy ahead of the midterm election season. Colin Reed, a veteran Republican strategist, noted that Trump has shown a willingness to make tough decisions early in his term to leave space for improvements later on.

“We’re still less than 150 days in,” Reed said. “He’s got some time to make the hard calls that have to be made and still give the economic plane runway to take off ahead of the midterms, which is when all of these early decisions will be graded.”

Reed also emphasized that Trump’s core supporters understand his approach to economic policy. “The president has been very clear-eyed about the fact that you are going to have to break some eggs to make an omelet, and his voters will give him the latitude to do so,” he said.

Signs of optimism emerge

Economic forecasters and analysts have also taken note of improving indicators. The stock market’s rebound, lower gas prices, and cooling public concern about inflation have created a more hopeful environment heading into the summer season.

Wayne Lesperance, president of New England College, said Trump’s presidency began under difficult economic circumstances and political distractions. However, he acknowledged that there are reasons to believe better results may lie ahead.

“Trump’s return to office did not begin as he and his supporters had hoped,” Lesperance said. “Campaign promises about inflation and interest rates appeared deferred while the daily news coverage focused on the many distractions plaguing the White House.”

Future hinges on trade, growth

Still, Lesperance added that a shift may be underway. “Signs of progress may be emerging,” he said. “Possible trade deals with Britain, China, and India are providing hope that some good may come from his tariff strategy. Add to that a rebounding stock market and lower gas prices at the start of summer vacation season, and the president may see some calming of public nervousness.”

Talks with both China and India remain ongoing. If they succeed, they may further ease the tensions caused by the early-year standoff and provide a stronger foundation for economic growth over the remainder of the year.

For now, Trump's steady, though modest, gains in public support reflect a political landscape that remains deeply divided -- but not closed to persuasion through economic improvement. As the summer months unfold, further developments in trade and the economy may determine whether the president’s approval continues to inch upward or plateaus.