President Donald Trump celebrated the six-month milestone of his second term in office by declaring that the United States has regained global respect and become the “hottest” country in the world. In a post on Truth Social, the president praised the accomplishments of his administration and framed the first half-year of his term as one of the most impactful in presidential history.
“Wow, time flies!” Trump wrote. “Importantly, it’s being hailed as one of the most consequential periods of any President. In other words, we got a lot of good and great things done, including ending numerous wars of Countries not related to us other than through Trade and/or, in certain cases, friendship.”
He added that a year ago the country was “dead” and without hope, but today, he claimed, “the USA is the ‘hottest’ and most respected Country anywhere in the World.”
Challenges on the Global Stage
Trump’s declaration comes amid ongoing international conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the continuing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The administration has stated its intention to broker ceasefires and resolve hostilities, although tangible progress remains limited.
Poll Numbers: A Mixed Picture
While Trump touted rising support among Republicans and his MAGA base — claiming internal polls showing approval ratings as high as 90% to 95% among GOP voters — broader national surveys paint a more complex picture.
A recent Economist/YouGov poll conducted between July 11–14 showed that 41% of Americans somewhat or strongly approve of Trump’s job performance, while 55% disapprove — the highest disapproval rating recorded during his second term to date.
Similarly, a CBS/YouGov poll released on July 20 found Trump’s approval rating at 42%, down from 45% in June and 47% in April. The disapproval rate in that survey stood at 58%.
Democratic Response: Economic Criticism
Democratic leaders quickly pushed back on Trump’s optimistic self-assessment. Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin questioned whether the average American is better off than they were six months ago, arguing that Trump’s policies favor the wealthy at the expense of working families.
“Unless you’re a billionaire or a big CEO, the answer is no,” Martin said in a statement. “In six months, Donald Trump has skyrocketed prices for basic necessities, sparked an erratic trade war with no end in sight, and orchestrated the largest cuts to health care and food assistance in American history.”
Martin also warned that Trump’s trade agenda is placing strain on small businesses, while ordinary Americans face rising costs for energy, groceries, and gas.
Looking Ahead
As Trump’s administration enters its seventh month, the White House continues to focus on foreign policy, trade negotiations, and economic messaging ahead of the midterm elections. While internal support among core Republican voters appears strong, national opinion polls suggest a divided electorate grappling with the impacts of inflation, global conflict, and social policy shifts.
