Donald Trump’s political journey is one of the most turbulent chapters in modern history. From a real estate tycoon and reality TV star to becoming the most powerful man in the world, his path has gone through multiple phases of “Rise and Fall.”
When Trump announced his candidacy in 2015, many analysts did not take him seriously. However, with the slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), he successfully tapped into the anger of the American middle class. In 2016, he shocked the world by defeating Hillary Clinton.
During his presidency, there were major decisions such as economic growth and significant judicial appointments. However, his tenure was also filled with controversies:
Trump became the first president in U.S. history to be impeached twice.
His handling of the pandemic faced heavy criticism, which also impacted the 2020 election results.
The 2021 Capitol Hill violence is considered the lowest point (Fall) of his political career.
In the 2024 election, Trump made a comeback by winning again, but the beginning of 2026 has been challenging for him:
As of April 2026, his popularity has declined. According to The Economist, his net approval rating stands at -19, with 37% approval and 56% disapproval.
His approval rating on the economy has dropped to a low of 31%.
Ongoing tensions with Iran and rising inflation (especially fuel prices) are cited as key reasons for his declining popularity.
Recently, in April 2026, a judge dismissed his defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal.
Public opinion on Trump remains deeply divided:
A large portion of Republican supporters (around 75%) still consider him a legitimate president and trust his economic vision (tariffs and tax cuts).
Critics argue that his decisions are “authoritarian” and that he is weakening American democracy.
Global leaders, including Pope Leo at the Vatican, have also criticized his policies, particularly regarding military actions in Venezuela and Iran.
Trump’s current phase reflects the struggles after his “second rise,” where on one side he retains a strong and loyal support base, and on the other, declining popularity and legal challenges continue to follow him.