A Sharp Decline in Approval
Recent polls reveal that President Trump’s overall job approval has dropped into the high 30% range—the lowest of his second term and a notable slip from earlier months. According to Gallup, Trump’s approval now stands at 37%. This figure marks a steep decline from earlier in his term and hits a new nadir
Another Reuters/Ipsos poll supports this decline, registering approval at 40%, the lowest point recorded so far.
Independents Turning Away
The brunt of the decline comes from independent voters, a group that often determines political momentum:
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Gallup found that independent approval dropped to just 29%, a staggering 17-point decline since January
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CNN data analyst Harry Enten warns these numbers could spell trouble for Republicans heading toward the 2026 midterms, as losing independents often indicates broader electoral challenges
Approval Ratings on Key Issues
Voters are expressing strong disapproval in areas that were once core strengths for Trump:
Federal Budget
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Just 19% of independents approve of his handling of the federal budget. Overall, disapproval is rising sharply
Economy
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Among independents, only 29% endorse his economic performance.
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On a broader scale, polls report around 61–38% disapproval of his economic stewardship
Immigration
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Independent approval on immigration sits around 30%, while national approval hovers near 43%
Cost of Living & Groceries
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A separate Morning Consult poll found 63% of Americans believe Trump negatively impacted grocery prices, and 61% blame him for broader cost-of-living pressures
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Concerns over rising prices, rent, and economic instability are intensifying among everyday Americans
Political Partisanship: Stark Divides
Republican Base
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Trump retains solid support among Republicans, with approval consistently high—around 89% in Gallup’s findings.
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Reuters polls echo this loyalty, showing 83% approval among Republicans.
Democrats
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Democratic approval remains negligible—2–3% across multiple polls, reflecting near-universal disapprovalE
Independents & Swing Voters
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Their approval has dropped from the mid-40s to just under 30%, signaling eroding confidence
Early Pressures and Policy Fallout
Early in his term, Trump faced widespread skepticism:
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ABC News/Washington Post polls showed he entered office with the lowest 100-day approval rating in 80 years, under 40%.
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Issues like tariffs, fears of recession, and overreach in government earned major disapproval—60–70% on several fronts including the economy and stock market handling
What’s Fueling Public Discontent?
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Economic Strain
Inflation, broken grocery budgets, and housing affordability and concerns are deeply felt. Tariffs and economic policy are viewed negatively by many voters. -
Budget Priorities
Legislation like the “One Big Beautiful Bill” combined tax cuts with major cuts to social programs, prompting backlash.3 -
Scandals & Scorn
Resistance to releasing documents tied to the Epstein investigation, and internal friction even within the GOP, have amplified scrutinryUninspiring Political Messaging
Attempts to shift attention via media attacks or controversial posts have failed to move the needle back upward
Summary: A Leadership at a Crossroads
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Overall approval: 37–40%, lowest second-term ratings so far.
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Independents: Crumbling support—now below 30%.
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Core issues: Budget, economy, immigration, and cost of living all registering negative public sentiment.
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Partisan divide: Strong GOP loyalty, near-total Democratic rejection.
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Warning signs: Without a rebound among swing voters, the GOP’s majority in Congress could be at risk in 2026.
