Full Breakdown
Trump's Approval Rating Plummets Amid Economic Concerns and Epstein Investigation
11/22/2025, 1:16:04 PM
Declining Approval Ratings
President Donald Trump's approval rating has reached a new low of 38%, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from November 14 to 17, 2025. This decline is attributed to widespread dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy, particularly rising costs of living, and the ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The poll surveyed 1,017 U.S. adults and has a margin of error of approximately 3 percentage points. Trump's approval among Republicans has also dipped to 82%, down from 87% earlier in the month.
Economic Concerns Drive Disapproval
A significant 76% of voters view the economy negatively, a marked increase from 67% in July. Many voters, including a substantial number of Republicans, report rising costs for groceries, utilities, healthcare, and housing. The Fox News poll indicates that 61% of respondents disapprove of Trump's economic policies, with 46% stating they have been personally harmed by these policies. Notably, 62% of voters attribute the current economic conditions to Trump rather than former President Joe Biden, with 42% of Republicans also placing blame on Trump.
Handling of the Epstein Investigation
Trump's handling of the Epstein case has also drawn criticism, with only 20% of Americans approving of his response. The Republican-controlled House recently passed a measure to compel the release of Justice Department files related to Epstein, a move Trump had resisted for months. This shift in stance has led to rare dissent within his party, particularly from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has become a vocal critic.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to his declining approval ratings, Trump acknowledged the situation during a speech at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, stating, "So, my poll numbers just went down, but with smart people, they've gone way up." His administration has attempted to address economic concerns by rolling back tariffs on certain staples, such as coffee and beef, amid rising public frustration over prices.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that Trump's economic policies, particularly his tariff increases, have exacerbated inflation and contributed to the rising costs of everyday goods. Republican strategist Doug Heye noted, "It's all about prices. People are furious when they go out and spend money at the grocery store." The perception that Trump is not effectively managing the economy has led to increased vulnerability for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
What's Next
As the 2026 midterms approach, Trump's declining approval ratings and the economic challenges facing American households could significantly impact Republican strategies. The party must navigate voter dissatisfaction while addressing affordability issues that have become central to public concern.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's all about prices,” — Doug Heye, Republican Political Strategist
- “So, my poll numbers just went down, but with smart people, they've gone way up.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
This situation underscores the critical intersection of economic performance and political support, as Trump's administration grapples with the implications of rising costs and public scrutiny.
