Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist No. 70 that “energy in the executive” is the “leading character” of “good government.” He argued that a strong, decisive executive is essential for national security, steady administration, and the protection of liberty.
After one month of Donald Trump’s return to office, there could not be more apparent contrast between Hamilton’s vision and its opposite. It’s the difference between the kinetic, forceful return of Trump and four years of Joe Biden. The contrast is as stark as the real Hamilton was to the Broadway version.
And, as polling suggests, Americans are drawing confidence from this “energy in the executive.”
Trump’s return has been marked by action, decisiveness and a clear sense of purpose. Voters are taking notice. A recent CBS News poll finds that the majority of Americans view Trump as tough (69 percent), energetic (63 percent), focused (60 percent), and effective (58 percent). Most strikingly, 70 percent of respondents believe he is delivering on his campaign promises — an unmistakable indicator that Americans see a leader who means what he says and does what he promises.
Similarly, Pew Research reports that 73 percent of Americans say Trump has clear goals for the country, indicating that voters feel his action is defined by intention rather than confusion.
This decisive approach to governance yields results that affect the public perception of his performance. According to CBS, 53 percent now approve of the job Trump is doing — the highest approval rating of his presidency, including his first term.
Aggregated polling from RealClearPolitics and FiveThirtyEight shows Trump with a positive net job approval rating: plus 2.3 percent in RealClearPolitics’ polling average as of February 19 and plus 2.5 percent in FiveThirtyEight’s aggregate model on the same day.
Beyond Trump’s job approval, the broader national mood is shifting fast. The Right Track/Wrong Track metric — one of the best indicators of voter sentiment — has improved by 22 percent since the day before Trump was inaugurated for the second time to a month later. This is one of the fastest positive swings in modern political history and marks the most optimistic outlook for the country since before the Biden administration oversaw the collapse of Afghanistan.
For years, it seemed that the Biden presidency was drifting without purpose, but the sharp shift in sentiment suggests Americans see Trump’s return as a course correction, whether they prefer him or not. And now, in retrospect, having deeply studied public opinion over the last few years, the Biden presidency ended the day Kabul fell — we didn’t know it at the time.
Beyond broad approval, Americans continue to support Trump’s policies. According to the latest polling, 59 percent back his mass deportation program (CBS News), 54 percent approve of his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict (CBS News), 55 percent favor reforming the FBI (American Pulse), and 52 percent endorse RFK Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative (American Pulse).
Despite constant opposition, late last week, 55 percent of voters approved the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to cut wasteful spending, including 38 percent who strongly approve (Rasmussen).
That said, according to the CBS poll, while more Americans believe the economy will improve under Trump, they want him to focus more on lowering prices. In this area, Trump must continue making his case to the public and clearly articulate how his actions will boost the economy and reduce prices. For example, he should argue that if DOGE can succeed in curbing waste, fraud and the misuse of tax dollars, the decrease in government spending will help lower inflation.
This suggests a president who has regained momentum and is restoring confidence among the American people. Trump’s strong start to his second term is indisputable: he has achieved his highest approval ratings ever, gained widespread backing for his key policies, and witnessed a remarkable turnaround in Right Track/Wrong Track numbers — all in one month.
Hamilton’s vision of an energetic executive was not a theoretical principle — it was a blueprint for effective governance. With action, clarity and purpose, Trump is restoring that vision, and Americans are responding.
Washington’s political class may jeer, but the American people are cheering.
