UPDATE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has experienced a dramatic surge in public approval, according to a newly released Gallup poll. Just reported, the poll indicates that 42 percent of respondents now view DHS’s performance as either “excellent” or “good,” a significant increase from 32 percent last year.
This surge in approval comes at a pivotal time, as the Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on immigration policies, resulting in a 55-year low in Border Patrol apprehensions. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott emphasized the impact of these changes, stating, “For too long, agents and officers were handcuffed by failed policies. Today they are empowered to do their jobs – and the result is the lowest apprehensions in more than five decades, and the most secure border in modern history.” This statement was made in a press release on Tuesday.
Despite the rise in DHS approval, the poll revealed troubling news for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Approval ratings for FEMA plummeted by 20 percentage points between 2024 and 2025, dropping from 46 percent to 26 percent of respondents who perceived the agency as doing an “excellent” or “good job.” This decline follows a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report from September, which stated that the Trump administration had broken the law by withholding three types of grants managed by FEMA.
The Gallup poll was conducted from September 2 to 16, 2025, including 1,000 respondents with a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points. These numbers reflect a significant shift in public sentiment towards federal agencies, especially in light of recent policy changes and their implications for national security and emergency management.
As these developments unfold, the implications for both DHS and FEMA could be profound. With increasing public trust in DHS, officials may look to capitalize on this momentum to further enforce immigration laws. Conversely, the declining approval for FEMA raises questions about its future efficacy and public trust in disaster response capabilities.
WHAT’S NEXT: Stakeholders and officials will be closely monitoring these approval ratings as they could influence future federal policies and funding allocations. As the administration continues its immigration policies, the public’s perception of federal agencies like DHS and FEMA will be critical in shaping their operational strategies moving forward.
Stay tuned for further updates as these critical issues develop.