In this fictional political timeline, Donald Trump’s second term began with a whirlwind of bold decisions: sweeping dismissals across government agencies, sharp increases in everyday costs like eggs, wild swings on Wall Street, and a global tariff battle shaking major economies. Yet through it all, his approval numbers refused to collapse — in fact, they held surprisingly steady.
On Wednesday, Trump escalated his economic strategy by announcing a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, a move he argued was necessary to revive American manufacturing. Canada and several European nations retaliated almost immediately, issuing billions in counter-tariffs and promising further action if needed.
Speaking before Congress that evening, Trump openly acknowledged that his administration’s start had been “fast, relentless, and unapologetic.” He doubled down on his most controversial policies: tightening borders, imposing steep tariffs on neighboring countries, slashing government programs, and dismantling diversity and equity initiatives across schools and workplaces.
Despite fierce debate surrounding these actions, polls within this fictional narrative revealed a consistent trend — support for Trump was holding, and in some areas, it was rising.
Fictional Approval Numbers Reflect a Divided but Stable Nation
In the most recent Gallup-style survey of this alternate timeline, Trump’s job approval averaged 46% during his first month back in office. By comparison, his entire first-term average had been 41%.
His ratings throughout both terms fluctuated between the mid-30s and upper-40s, never fully collapsing despite economic turbulence and political unrest.
A Reuters/Ipsos-style fictional poll found 44% approval for Trump’s early second-term performance — a rating his advisors touted as evidence that their policies were resonating with voters who felt ignored in past administrations.
Immigration policy, one of the administering’s most aggressive focal points, had 47% approval and 42% disapproval.
Meanwhile, an imaginary 538-style tracker showed:
47.7% of Americans approved of Trump’s presidency
54.4% disapproved of Congress
Vice President JD Vance held a mixed rating: 40.8% approval / 42.8% disapproval
Though tariffs and market instability were expected to drag Trump’s popularity downward, the fictional data revealed a more complicated picture: many Americans supported the general direction of his policies, even if they disliked the economic turmoil tied to them.
How Popular Is Trump Amid the Fictional Tariff Showdown?
A fictional CNN/SSRS survey released Wednesday painted a nuanced view:
54% disapproved of Trump overall
45% approved
However, issue-by-issue, his numbers looked stronger:
51% approval on immigration
48% on federal budget handling
45% on the economy
Tariffs remained his weakest area, with only 39% approving and 61% disapproving, suggesting many Americans in this fictional scenario were uneasy about rising costs and strained trade relationships.
A fictional Emerson College poll taken after Trump’s 50th day back in office reported 47% approval and 45% disapproval — slightly down from his inauguration, which had him at 49% approval and 41% disapproval.
Final Note in This Fictional Timeline
As always, polls shift. Different organizations survey different people. Results change week to week. And in this imagined political world, the numbers shown were accurate only as of 11:56 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
One thing is clear in this fictional universe: even in the middle of global tariff battles, volatile financial markets, and divisive domestic policies, Trump’s approval ratings remain unusually resilient — a sign that the country is both deeply divided and entirely unpredictable.