Full Breakdown
Declining Approval Ratings for President Donald Trump Ahead of 2026 Midterms
11/23/2025, 1:54:45 AM
Overview of Trump's Approval Ratings
Recent polling data indicates that President Donald Trump's approval ratings have significantly declined, reaching a low of 38%—the lowest since his return to office in January 2024. This drop is attributed to dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy, particularly amid rising inflation and the ongoing government shutdown. Polls show that a majority of voters, including a notable segment of his Republican base, are increasingly critical of his economic policies.
Key Polling Data
1. Fox News Poll: Conducted from November 14-17, this poll revealed that 76% of voters view the economy negatively, a figure worse than the 70% who felt similarly at the end of former President Joe Biden's term. Trump's approval rating on economic management has fallen to 38%, with 61% disapproving.
2. Reuters/Ipsos Poll: This poll, released on November 18, corroborated the decline, showing Trump's overall approval at 38%, down from 47% earlier in the year. The poll highlighted that 62% of voters blame Trump more than Biden for the current economic conditions.
3. AP-NORC Poll: Conducted from November 6-10, this survey found that only 33% of Americans approved of Trump's management of the federal government, a significant drop from 43% just eight months prior.
4. Morning Consult: This survey indicated Trump's net approval rating had dropped to -10 points, with 44% approving and 54% disapproving.
5. Emerson College Poll: This poll showed a decline in Trump's approval among Hispanic voters, dropping from 45% to 41%, with disapproval among swing-voting independents rising to 51%.
Impact of Economic Concerns
The ongoing economic challenges, particularly rising costs of living, have become a focal point for voters. A significant 57% of Americans believe that lowering prices should be the Trump administration's top priority. Many voters express frustration over increasing costs for groceries, healthcare, and housing, with 85% reporting higher grocery prices compared to the previous year. This economic dissatisfaction has led to a perception that Trump's policies are detrimental, with 31% more voters stating that his economic agenda has hurt rather than helped their financial situations.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that Trump's economic policies, including tariffs and immigration strategies, have contributed to the current economic malaise. Republican pollster Daron Shaw noted, “People are struggling to afford necessities and blaming those in charge.” Additionally, Trump's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files has drawn criticism, with 59% of Americans disapproving of his management of the situation.
Official Statements & Responses
In a recent speech at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, Trump acknowledged his declining poll numbers but claimed that "with smart people, they've gone way up." He attributed some of his challenges to disagreements with conservative allies regarding the need for skilled foreign workers in critical industries. Trump's comments reflect a broader struggle to maintain support within his party, as evidenced by a drop in approval among Republicans from 87% to 82%.
What's Next for Trump and the GOP
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Trump's declining approval ratings pose significant challenges for the Republican Party. Analysts suggest that if these trends continue, Republicans may face difficulties retaining control in Congress. The party's focus on affordability issues, which resonated with voters in recent elections, will be crucial in shaping their strategy moving forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “-Saudi Investment Forum, Trump said: “So my poll numbers just went down, but with smart people, they’ve gone way up.” — President Donald Trump
- “The situation isn’t complicated. People are struggling to afford necessities and blaming those in charge. What’s interesting is watching Democrats gain politically from a problem they arguably caused—and that crushed them in 2024. But that’s politics.” — Daron Shaw, Republican Pollster
- “Latino voters are very pragmatic. They are not necessarily going to vote based on party labels. They're going to vote for whoever is actually addressing their priorities.” — Melissa Morales, President of Somos Votantes
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While several polls indicate a significant decline in Trump's approval ratings, there are discrepancies in the exact figures reported. For instance, some polls show his approval as low as 38%, while others report slightly higher ratings. Additionally, Trump's claims of having the "highest poll numbers of my political career" contradict the prevailing polling data, highlighting a potential disconnect between his perception and public sentiment.
