Trump’s approval rating reaches its highest level since 100-day mark of presidency, new poll shows

President Trump only trails Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama by a slim 4 points at this stage in their first terms

Donald Trump waves as he walks across the South Lawn of the White House in Washington (AP)

Donald Trump’s approval rating is at its highest level since the 100-day mark of his presidency, according to a new CNN poll, but remains below all his modern day predecessors’ ratings at this point in their first terms.

Overall, 42 per cent approves of Mr Trump’s performance as president, an increase of 7 points since February. Meanwhile, 54 per cent still disapproves.

Mr Trump trails Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama by a slim 4 points compared to polls conducted at this stage of their respective first terms.

His approval rating among Republicans has increased from 80 per cent to 86 per cent, while his rating among independents has grown from 35 per cent to 41 per cent.

Mr Trump’s overall approval rating has fluctuated over the last few CNN polls - from 40 per cent in January, down to 35 per cent in February, to where it currently sits at 42 per cent.

The shares of those who strongly approve of Mr Trump's performance, 28 per cent in the new poll, and strongly disapprove, 46 per cent, have remained relatively steady over a similar time frame. This suggests that the fluctuation in the president’s ratings is largely among those who do not have deeply held opinions on Mr Trump.

Approval ratings for Mr Trump’s handling of major issues remains mostly negative.

He has the strongest approval rating on his perceived management of the economy: 48 per cent approve, while 45 per cent disapprove.

But most people don’t appear to be fans of the way he is addressing foreign trade. Mr Trump has recently decided to implement tariffs aimed at Chinese imports, steel and aluminium.

On trade generally, 38 per cent approves while 50 per cent disapproves.

A majority of respondents, 54 per cent, also disapprove of the way the President has addressed gun policy, as his administration has held several roundtables aimed at figuring out how to curb gun violence in the wake of a mass shooting at a Florida high school last month. About 36 per cent approves.