Trump’s Approval Plummets to Record Lows on Economy and Healthcare

President Donald Trump’s disapproval rating reached 70% on the economy and 65% on healthcare in the latest CNN/SSRS poll of 1,499 adults (April 30–May 4). This marks the highest disapproval for any president this century on both issues. Economic approval sits at 30% (net -40), while healthcare approval is stuck in the low 30s, with net ratings ranging from -24 to -40.

Newsweek

Trump’s 2024 victory rested on promises to restore economic strength and improve affordability. Since the February 28 U.S.–Israel airstrikes on Iran, the war has amplified cost-of-living concerns. Gas prices have risen 50% since the conflict began, fueling criticism of the administration’s handling of inflation and the economy.

Newsweek

Reuters/Ipsos (May 8–11) shows 30% approval, 64% disapproval (net -34). YouGov/The Economist (May 1–4) records 34% approval, 58% disapproval (net -24). Forbes/HarrisX (April 24–27) reports 34% approval, 56% disapproval. Silver Bulletin average places net approval near -20, a second-term low. A YouGov tracker finds 77% say Trump’s policies increased the cost of living.

Newsweek

Economy remains the top voter issue; sustained disapproval threatens the GOP’s House prospects. Democrats hold a 16-point advantage on vaccine policy, and analysts warn any vaccine push could trigger backlash. Polls show independent disapproval at 64% and Republican war-approval at 86%, highlighting a fractured coalition.

Newsweek

Spokesman Kush Desai defended the administration, saying Trump was “resoundingly re-elected” because he understood voters’ economic concerns and that the administration remains focused on tax cuts, deregulation and energy policy. He added that normalizing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz will lower gas prices and spur growth.

Newsweek

Critics warn the administration’s “tiptoe” approach to vaccine policy could provoke public backlash. Harry Enten noted Democrats “crush on this” and warned the administration may need to “tiptoe around it unless they want to take the wrath of the American public.” Analysts also cite the “highest disapproval for any president this century” as a political risk.

Newsweek

Disapproval on the economy ranges from 58% (YouGov/The Economist) to 70% (CNN/SSRS). Net approval varies between -22 (Economist/YouGov) and -30 (Reuters/Ipsos). Some surveys lack demographic breakdowns for key groups such as Hispanic voters, limiting insight into shifting coalition dynamics.

Newsweek

• “Sixty-five percent disapprove of him on healthcare,” — Harry Enten, CNN chief data analyst

Newsweek

• “the highest disapproval for any president this century… a score you don’t want to be winning on.” — Harry Enten

Newsweek

• “Democrats crush on this,” — Harry Enten

Newsweek

The November midterms will test whether the GOP can overcome record disapproval on core issues. Analysts expect the administration to emphasize energy policy and tax cuts while monitoring public reaction to the Iran conflict and cost-of-living pressures.

Newsweek