Trump’s First 100 Days: More Americans Give Him an “F” Than Any Other Grade

A new poll reveals that former President Donald Trump received more failing grades (“F”) than any other rating for his first 100 days in office. This data underscores the deep political polarization that characterized his presidency — with strong loyalty from his base clashing sharply against widespread criticism from opponents.

Poll Breakdown: Why So Many Americans Gave Trump a Failing Grade

According to a national survey conducted by ABC News/Washington Post, the public’s evaluation of Trump’s early presidency paints a stark picture:

• 42% of respondents gave Trump an “F” for his first 100 days — the most common grade by far.
• Just 24% rated him positively (A or B).
• 34% gave him average or below-average scores (C or D).
• The partisan divide is significant:
  • 93% of Democrats gave him an F.
  • 78% of Republicans gave him an A or B.

Controversial Policies That Fueled Negative Ratings

Trump’s early days in the White House were marked by bold, divisive decisions that sparked national and international backlash:

1. Immigration Ban

One of his first executive orders banned entry from several Muslim-majority countries. Civil rights groups and liberal voters saw this as discriminatory and unconstitutional.

2. Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord

His decision to exit the international climate agreement was widely condemned by environmentalists and U.S. allies, who viewed it as a step backward in the fight against global warming.

3. Corporate Tax Cuts

While applauded by conservatives and business leaders, Trump’s tax overhaul was criticized for disproportionately benefiting the wealthy and widening economic inequality.

Unconventional Leadership Style Stirred Controversy

Trump didn’t just shake up policy — he broke the mold of presidential conduct:

• Twitter as a Political Weapon

He used social media, especially Twitter, to bypass traditional communication channels, often attacking political opponents, judges, journalists, and even members of his own party.

• War with the Press

Trump branded mainstream outlets like CNN and NBC as “fake news,” escalating tensions with the media and undermining public trust in journalism.

• Hardline Foreign Policy

From threatening North Korea with “fire and fury” to calling NATO “obsolete,” Trump’s combative international rhetoric worried longtime allies and defied diplomatic norms.

Key Achievements Recognized by Supporters

Despite criticism, Trump’s supporters point to several measurable successes during his early months:

• Record-low unemployment prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Strong stock market performance, bolstering investor confidence.
• Renegotiated trade deals, such as the USMCA (which replaced NAFTA), aiming to prioritize American manufacturing and labor.

Comparison with Past Presidents: Trump’s Approval Lags Behind

Trump’s approval rating at the 100-day mark was historically low when compared to recent predecessors:

• Barack Obama (2009): 65% approval
• George W. Bush (2001): 58% approval
• Donald Trump (2017): 42% approval

This made Trump the least popular modern president at this early stage in office.

Final Takeaway: A Presidency Defined by Division

Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office highlighted a presidency built on disruption and division. While his policies and communication style energized a loyal conservative base — especially among white, rural, and evangelical voters — they also galvanized strong opposition across the political spectrum.