The Art Of The Comeback: TIPP Poll Shows Trump’s Strong Start Energizes Core Voters

The Shining City on the Hill has a new sheriff—and Americans are behind him. Optimism is rising as voters rally behind President Trump, backing his leadership on immigration, the economy, and crime. A nationwide TIPP Poll of 1,478 Americans (Jan 29-31) confirms the momentum, with a credibility interval of ±2.6 points. The message is clear: Trump’s comeback is real, and the nation is taking shape under his leadership.

Favorability

Ten days into his presidency, America's 47th President held a 47% favorability rating, with a net favorability of +5 (47% favorable vs. 42% unfavorable). Trump enjoys strong backing from Republicans (80%) and conservatives (81%), while most Democrats (74%) and liberals (76%) view him unfavorably. Independent voters are split, with 40% viewing him favorably and 46% unfavorably. Moderates also lean negative, with 38% favorable and 49% unfavorable, signaling a challenge for Trump in appealing to swing voters. Meanwhile, 11% of the public remains undecided.

How About Vice President JD Vance?

Vice President JD Vance holds a net favorability of +5, with 38% viewing him favorably, 33% unfavorably, and 29% unsure. He enjoys support among Republicans (67%) and conservatives (69%), while the majority of Democrats (62%) and liberals (64%) view him unfavorably. Independents are evenly split at 31% favorable and 31% unfavorable, but a sizable 38% remain undecided. Among moderates, Vance faces a net negative rating (29% favorable vs. 36% unfavorable), with over a third (35%) still uncertain—suggesting room to define his image further with this critical voting bloc.

Trump’s Job Approval Stands At 46%

Ten days into his presidency, 46% of Americans approve of President Trump’s job performance, while 41% disapprove, giving him a net approval of +5.

In a divided America, partisan divisions are stark: Republicans (80%) and conservatives (78%) strongly approve of Trump’s decisions, while Democrats (73%) and liberals (74%) overwhelmingly disapprove.

Independents lean towards negative territory, with 37% approving and 44% disapproving, while moderates are similarly split at 38% approval vs. 45% disapproval.

Meanwhile, 13% of Americans, including 19% of independents and 17% of moderates, remain undecided about Trump's performance.

Tracking Trump’s Leadership: A Seismic Shift In The TIPP Presidential Leadership Index

TIPP’s Presidential Leadership Index offers a streamlined way to track three key components: favorability, job approval, and presidential leadership. The index ranges from 0 to 100, with readings above 50.0 indicating optimism and below 50.0 signaling pessimism.

In his early days as president, Trump scored 53.6, placing him in positive territory. Republicans show overwhelming support, soaring to 86.3, while Democrats’ support nosedives to 23.0. Independents remain near the break-even point at 48.4, signaling a mixed outlook.

With the transfer of power, the Republican surge and Democratic plunge highlight the stark political realignment. This month’s dramatic reversal underscores how partisan sentiment shifts when the White House changes hands.

How Trump’s Second-Term Leadership Index Compares To Past Presidents

Trump enters his second term with a TIPP Presidential Leadership Index rating of 53.6, an improvement over his first-term score of 49.2, reflecting stronger public confidence. His current rating surpasses Obama’s second-term score (50.1) and Bush’s second-term score (51.9), though unlike them, Trump’s second term is nonconsecutive.

For context, George W. Bush (64.6) and Barack Obama (71.0) saw significantly higher first-term ratings, fueled by initial optimism, but both experienced declines in their second terms. Biden debuted at 63.1, but Trump’s 53.6 at the beginning of his second term suggests a relatively strong position despite a deeply polarized political environment.

Strong Start: Voters Back Trump On Immigration And Economy

In his first fortnight, President Trump earns high marks for immigration and border security, with 49% rating his performance as excellent or good—his key campaign issue. The economy (40%) and crime (42%) also stand out as prominent areas of voter confidence.

While opinions on foreign policy are still forming, Trump’s handling of China, Russia, and the Israel-Hamas conflict shows a mix of approval and uncertainty. With time, his leadership in these areas could further solidify support.

Overall, 44% of Americans rate Trump’s presidency positively so far, signaling a solid foundation to build on in the months ahead.

Fifteen days in, and Trump’s second term is off to a strong start. Voters are backing him where it matters—immigration, crime, and the economy—while partisan lines hold. His base is fired up, independents are watching, and Washington is adjusting to the new reality. If this momentum holds, the comeback isn’t just real—it’s accelerating.

America is the Shining City on the Hill under new leadership.

Trump 2.0

1. When The FAA And DEI Don’t Mix — Victor Davis Hanson, The Daily Signal 

2. Deep State Resistance Is Crumbling In Trump 2.0 — Jarrett Stepman, The Daily Signal

3. Jonathan Turley Predicts Trump, Musk’s ‘Well Thought Out’ Buyout Plan Will Standup To Dem Legal Challenges — Nicole Silverio, DCNF

4. Trump Struck A Killing Blow To Heart Of Democrat Deep State Machine — Mary Rooke, DCNF

5. Trump’s Executive Orders Have Solid Voter Backing: I&I/TIPP Poll — Terry Jones, TIPP Insights

6. The Nation's Pulse: Americans' Top Priorities And The Direction Of The Country - Editorial Board, TIPP Insights

Economy

7. Trump Knows How To Win Trade Wars Before The First Shot Is Fired — Daniel McCarthy, The Daily Signal 

8. How Trump’s Novel Legal Theory Made Mexico and Canada Cave Under Pressure — George Caldwell, The Daily Signal

9. Trump Works To End California’s Man-Made Drought — Victor Joecks, The Daily Signal

Foreign Affairs

10. Trump’s Freeze Of USAID Is A Blow To Global Leftist Empire — Jarrett Stepman, The Daily Signal

11. Here’s How Trump’s Move On USAID Will Impact George Soros’ Funding Empire — Tyler O'Neil, The Daily Signal

12. Why Trump would win a tariff war: Europe is still in denial — Wolfgang Munchau, UnHerd

13. Venezuela Agrees To Take Back Its Citizens, Releases US Prisoners — Bethany Blankley, The Daily Signal

14. Biden Admin Filled Terrorist Coffers With Over $1,300,000,000 Before Trump Took Wrecking Ball To Foreign Aid  — Hudson Crozier, DCNF

15. The Great COVID Cover-Up? Public Doubt Over Lab Leak Persists - Editorial Board, TIPP Insights

Politics

16. Why Is Left So Upset At Deportation Of Criminal Illegal Aliens? — Deroy Murdock, The Daily Signal

17. Ending Birthright Citizenship Heating Up To Be One Of Biggest Legal Battles Of Trump’s  —Administration — Virginia Allen, The Daily Signal

18. Birthright Citizenship: A Nuanced Examination — Bill King, Real Clear Politics

19. Why The Mainstream Media Is In Trouble — Jacob G. Hornberger, The Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity

20. Here’s How Senate Republicans Respond To California’s Devastating Wildfires — George Caldwell, The Daily Signal

21. Mark Zuckerberg Wants Us To Forgive, Forget Facebook’s Sins — Daniel Cochrane, The Daily Signal

22. MAGA Agenda On The Line As Cabinet Picks Move To The Senate Floor — Moira Gleason, The Daily Signal

23. What New DNC Leadership Says About Direction Of Democratic Party — Jacob Adams, The Daily Signal

24. Maxine Waters Has Four-Minute Meltdown Shouting About How Much She Dislikes Trump, Musk  — Mariane Angela, DCNF

25. AOC Could Not Have Picked A Worse Time To Call Elon Musk Dumb — John Loftus, DCNF