Fact-check analysisVerified as of September 3, 2025Curated by FactVerify
Mostly True

Trump ranks as second-most popular president of 21st century in new poll.

Recent polling data from multiple sources indicates that Donald Trump ranks as the second-most popular U.S. President of the 21st century, behind Barack Obama.

Donald Trump Second-Most Popular President of 21st Century, Poll Finds - Newsweek

Donald Trump Second-Most Popular President of 21st Century, Poll Finds - Newsweek

Source: newsweek.com

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified September 3, 2025
The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

Several recent polls, including one by Quantus Insights reported by Newsweek and MEAWW News, show that Donald Trump is currently ranked as the second-most popular president of the 21st century. These polls place Trump ahead of other 21st-century presidents such as George W. Bush and Joe Biden in overall favorability or popularity metrics. Barack Obama consistently ranks first in these surveys.newsweek.comnewsweek.comDonald Trump Second-Most Popular President of 21st Century, Poll Findsnews.meaww.comnews.meaww.comDonald Trump ranks as second-most popular president of 21st century in new poll

However, it is important to note that this ranking refers to a specific poll or set of polls measuring overall popularity or favorability, not necessarily current approval ratings. Other sources such as Newsweek and The Independent report that Trump's approval ratings have recently hit new lows during his second term, indicating a decline in current public support despite his relatively high historical popularity ranking.newsweek.comnewsweek.comTrump's Approval Rating Hits New Second Term Low, Poll Showsindependent.co.ukindependent.co.ukTrump’s approval rating plummets to record second term low, new poll says

The New York Times and Nate Silver's Silver Bulletin provide ongoing tracking of Trump's approval ratings, which fluctuate and currently show lower approval compared to past periods. This suggests that while Trump may be ranked second in a broader historical popularity context, his immediate approval ratings are comparatively weak.nytimes.comnytimes.comPresident Trump Approval Rating: Latest Pollsnatesilver.netnatesilver.netTrump Approval Rating: Latest Polls

In summary, the claim that Trump ranks as the second-most popular president of the 21st century is supported by multiple polls focusing on overall favorability or historical popularity. However, this should not be conflated with current approval ratings, which are reported to be low. The distinction between 'popularity' in a historical or general sense and 'approval rating' at a given time is crucial for accurate interpretation.

Primary trail

Verified Sources7

President Trump Approval Rating: Latest Polls

nytimes.com
Open source

Trump's Approval Rating Hits New Second Term Low, Poll Shows

newsweek.com
Open source

Donald Trump Second-Most Popular President of 21st Century, Poll Finds

newsweek.com
Open source
Keep exploring

Where to go next

Continue with the evidence, catch up on the week, or save this check for later.