​​​​​​​WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump’s approval rating dipped below 45% in the first three months of his second term, with public dissatisfaction rising because of his economic policies and recent controversies, according to polling averages from Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ).

As of Thursday, 44.9% of voters approve of Trump’s performance while 51.8% disapprove -- his highest disapproval of the term, according to the poll.

Trump began his term with a net positive approval, but the numbers suggest he could fall further underwater as he approaches the 100-day mark next week.

His personal favorability has also declined, with 53% viewing him unfavorably.

“The Democrats should be cautiously optimistic,” Scott Tranter, DDHQ’s data science director told The Hill website. “They’re having a very good batting practice, but we haven’t reached the first inning of the game yet.”

“It’s not as bad as the first quarter was, in terms of this favorability, approval rating from the first term. So he’s doing better than the first term. And there’s quite a bit to play out in over the next 18 months,” he added.