Full Breakdown
Trump’s Inflation Approval Rating Hits Record Low Amid Voter Discontent
5/1/2026, 11:54:26 AM
Inflation-Driven Approval Decline for Donald Trump
A recent poll reported on Thursday indicates that only 21 percent of respondents approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of inflation and rising prices, while 70 percent disapprove. The poll was presented by Jonathan Lemire, a co-host of Morning Joe, on the MS NOW platform. The same poll places Trump 49 points below his previous lowest inflation-related rating, marking the lowest such rating in his presidency. The result is described as lower than the inflation approval ratings recorded for former Presidents Joe Biden and Jimmy Carter when inflation peaked under their administrations.
Historical Inflation Context
The poll’s commentary compares current inflation at 3.2 percent with historical peaks: inflation reached just over 9 percent in June 2022 during the Biden administration and nearly 13 percent in October 1980 under President Carter. The comparison underscores that voter dissatisfaction persists despite the current rate being lower than those historical highs.
Poll Data on Voter Sentiment
Beyond overall approval, the poll finds that 75 percent of independents and 45 percent of Republicans surveyed believe the country is on the wrong track regarding the cost of living. These figures illustrate a broad cross-partisan perception that economic conditions are unfavorable.
Political Implications for the Upcoming November Midterms
The poll’s analysis suggests that the low approval rating on inflation is fueling anxiety within the Republican Party about the upcoming November midterms. The data is presented as a factor contributing to heightened concern among GOP voters and officials regarding electoral prospects.
Criticism & Opposition Within the GOP
Commentary in the poll highlights that many Republicans view the inflation sentiment as a critical vulnerability. The expressed fear among GOP members reflects internal criticism of the administration’s economic messaging and strategy ahead of the midterms.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source does not disclose the poll’s sample size, margin of error, or specific methodology. Consequently, the precision of the reported percentages and their representativeness cannot be independently verified from the available information.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Only 21 percent of people surveyed approve of Trump's job handling over inflation and rising prices, while 70% disapprove,” — Jonathan Lemire, MS NOW
- “That puts Trump a whopping 49 points underwater, the lowest rating Trump has ever had on inflation.” — Jonathan Lemire, MS NOW
- “For perspective, the current inflation rate is 3.2 percent, so a smaller number, but yet unhappiness [is] really high towards Trump,” — Jonathan Lemire, MS NOW
- “This is why so many in the GOP are deathly afraid of November’s midterms,” — Jonathan Lemire, MS NOW
