Trouble signs emerge for Trump in DDHQ/The Hill polling average

President Trump has seen his favorability ratings start to take a hit in the first three months of his presidency amid growing criticism of his handling of the economy and various controversies, according to the initial polling averages from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill. 

The averages show that Trump is currently underwater after starting his term in January with a net positive approval rating. DDHQ/The Hill’s average had his approval rating above 50 percent for the first days of his presidency. By late April, his average approval rating had fallen under 45 percent.

The averages suggest Trump could fall deeper underwater as he reaches the 100-day mark next week. 

“The Democrats should be cautiously optimistic,” said Scott Tranter, the director of data science for DDHQ. “They’re having a very good batting practice, but we haven’t reached the first inning of the game yet. 

“The Republicans, they’re not having the greatest start,” he added. “It’s not as bad as the first quarter was, in terms of this favorability, approval rating from the first term. So he’s doing better than the first term. And there’s quite a bit to play out in over the next 18 months.”