Declining Approval Ratings for President Donald Trump Ahead of Midterm Elections

U.S. President Donald Trump's approval ratings have significantly declined, with recent polling indicating negative ratings in 20 states he won during the 2024 presidential election. According to YouGov for The Economist, Trump's approval is underwater in all but 11 states, with the District of Columbia recording the lowest approval rating at -75.9 points. This trend is concerning for the Republican Party, which holds a slim majority of 219 to 214 in the House of Representatives, as losing even a few seats could hinder their legislative agenda in the upcoming midterm elections scheduled for November 2026.

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A Fox News poll revealed that 76 percent of voters view the U.S. economy negatively, marking Trump as less popular on economic issues than his predecessor, former President Joe Biden. The dissatisfaction stems from rising inflation and the cost of living, which have intensified disapproval among key demographics, including independents and Hispanic voters. Pollster Nate Silver noted that Trump's disapproval rate is now higher than it was at a similar point during his first term, with 55.9 percent disapproving compared to 54.9 percent in 2017.

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Several polls highlight the extent of Trump's declining approval:

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• A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump's overall approval at 38 percent, the lowest of his second term.

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• An AP-NORC poll indicated that only 33 percent of Americans approve of Trump's management of the federal government, down from 43 percent eight months prior.

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• Morning Consult reported a net approval drop to -10 points, with 44 percent approving and 54 percent disapproving.

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Critics argue that Trump's handling of economic issues has alienated key voter groups. Mark Shanahan, an American politics expert, stated that Trump's unpredictability has become predictable and ineffective, leading to a loss of support among voters who initially backed him for economic relief. Additionally, María Teresa Kumar, CEO of Voto Latino, emphasized that Latino voters are pragmatic and will vote based on who addresses their economic concerns.

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In response to the negative polling, White House spokesman Kush Desai asserted that addressing the economic challenges left by Biden has been Trump's priority since taking office. He claimed that the administration is focused on policies aimed at cooling inflation and raising real wages, despite public discontent with current economic conditions.

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• “President Trump’s aggressive second-term agenda has depended upon complacent Republican majorities in Congress." — Calvin Jillson, Politics Professor

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• “The Trump presidency this time round is none of the novelty and all of the stress." — Mark Shanahan, American Politics Expert

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• “Those who voted disproportionately for Trump were voting around economic issues. They wanted economic relief.” — María Teresa Kumar, CEO of Voto Latino

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• “Donald Trump’s heightened unpopularity might be here to stay,” — Nate Silver, Pollster

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As Trump's presidency continues, his approval ratings are likely to fluctuate based on economic indicators and public sentiment. The upcoming midterm elections will serve as a critical test for the Republican Party, particularly in states where Trump's approval is currently low. The political landscape may shift further depending on how effectively Trump addresses the economic concerns of voters in the lead-up to the elections.

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