History often smooths out the legacies of past presidents, but for Joe Biden, that redemption may take a long time—if it comes at all. The former president remains deeply unpopular compared to President Donald Trump, who is already one of the most polarizing figures in U.S. history.
That’s the key takeaway from a new Harvard University Center for American Political Studies poll, which found that most Americans prefer Trump’s first month back in office over four years under the Biden-Harris administration. According to the survey, 58% of respondents say they are more satisfied with Trump’s job performance than Biden’s—a strong number, especially considering the constant media coverage surrounding Trump’s flurry of statements, executive orders, and appointments.
Despite concerns from some Republican lawmakers, the DOGE agenda remains widely popular. The poll found that 72% of Americans “support the existence of a U.S. government focused on efficiency initiatives,” according to a press release from Harvard University’s Center for American Political Studies. The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its de facto leader, Elon Musk, have been at the forefront of dismantling large portions of the federal bureaucracy, targeting agencies such as USAID and the IRS.
Trump’s overall approval rating is currently at a strong 52% among all voters. Many respondents express satisfaction with his immigration policies, efforts to reduce government spending, and initiatives aimed at restoring traditional American values. In contrast, the Democratic Party’s approval rating has fallen to an all-time low of 36%.
“People are taking a generally positive wait-and-see attitude for Trump but have really reassessed their attitudes toward Biden, Harris, and the Democrats, taking a much harsher, more negative attitude,” said Mark Penn, Co-Director of the Harvard CAPS / Harris poll and Stagwell Chairman and CEO. “Trump has a real opportunity here – we’re seeing a healthy, trudging approval edging toward real approval based on how the next couple of months turn out.”
Trump’s popularity is extending to key members of his cabinet, with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. starting his term with a +9 approval rating and Tulsi Gabbard at +3. Vice President J.D. Vance is also in positive territory by 4 points, as is the Republican Party overall (+1). Even on culture war issues, Trump appears to have public support, though with mixed results. A strong majority (70%) of voters believe government hiring should be based on merit and objective evaluation rather than diversity goals. However, 51% still say DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) departments are necessary in government.
When it comes to the core elements of Trump’s agenda, he is aligned with what voters want. His three most popular initiatives are:
- Deporting illegal immigrants who have committed crimes (81% support)
- Eliminating fraud and waste in government spending (76% support)
- Closing the border (76% support)
For now, Trump remains in voters’ good graces on the economy, but that could shift if job growth slows or prices remain high. Forty percent of voters say Trump’s policies have made them better off financially, compared to 36% who disagree.
