Trump’s Approval Rating Plummets to Record Lows Amid Inflation and Iran War

A wave of surveys released in May 2026 shows President Donald Trump’s overall job approval at historic lows. The Economist/YouGov poll recorded 34 % approval and 59 % disapproval, the lowest weekly rating of his two terms. Fox News polling placed his approval at 39 % with 61 % disapproval, while the Strength-in-Numbers/Verasight survey found 37 % approval and 60 % disapproval (net -23). Emerson College’s May poll reported a 39 % approval rating, down from 40 % the previous month. Across these instruments, Trump’s net approval on inflation has fallen to a record -47, indicating deep voter dissatisfaction with price-related issues.

ForbesNewsweekPoll: Trump’s approval rating hits another low on prices as Democrats hit +8 on generic ballot

The decline coincides with a sharp rise in consumer prices. Commerce Department data showed inflation at 3.8 % annualized in April, while gas prices exceeded $4.50 per gallon and fertilizer costs rose 20 %. The U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran in late February prompted Iranian retaliation that shuttered the Strait of Hormuz, further inflating energy costs. Analysts link the “Iran war” to the accelerated erosion of Trump’s support, especially among voters who cite inflation as the nation’s top problem.

Daily Beast

• Fox News (inflation net rating): -52 points underwater, a 52-point drop in three months.

Daily Beast

• Emerson College: 39 % overall approval, 55 % disapproval; net -16.

Forbes

• Economist/YouGov: 34 % approval, 59 % disapproval; net -26.

Forbes

• Strength-in-Numbers/Verasight: 37 % approval, 60 % disapproval; net -23; inflation net -47 (25 % approve, 72 % disapprove).

Poll: Trump’s approval rating hits another low on prices as Democrats hit +8 on generic ballot

• Reuters/Ipsos: 35 % approval, 65 % disapproval; inflation rating -46.

Forbes

These figures reveal a consistent downward trajectory, with the steepest declines occurring after the Iran war began.

Daily Beast

The polling slump threatens Republican prospects in the November midterms. Navigator Research notes that 67 % of battleground voters blame Trump and congressional Republicans for the economy, and Republican incumbents in those districts hold a net -19 approval. Academic commentators warn that while Trump retains 80 % support among core Republicans, the party’s broader electorate—particularly independents and younger voters—has turned sharply against him, raising the risk of significant House and Senate losses.

NewsweekWhere Things Stand in the BattlegroundTrump’s Blue-Collar Firewall Shows Signs of Collapse in New PollsPoll: Trump’s approval rating hits another low on prices as Democrats hit +8 on generic ballotForbes

White House Spokesman Davis Ingle defended the administration, stating: “The ultimate poll was November 5 2024 when nearly 80 million Americans overwhelmingly elected President Trump to deliver on his popular and commonsense agenda. No other President in history has accomplished more for the American people than President Trump, who is working tirelessly to create jobs, cool inflation, increase housing affordability, and more.”

Newsweek

Political scientists highlight the disconnect between Republican base loyalty and broader electoral appeal. Columbia University professor Robert Y. Shapiro observed that “Trump’s approval rating among Republicans … is now unequivocal evidence for his power over the party—even as this party may suffer a major defeat in the midterm elections with the larger electorate, over whom Trump has decreasing sway.” University of Kentucky scholar D. Stephen Voss added that “independents are increasingly turned off by the Trump Administration. Trump’s sinking approval ratings will haunt the candidates the President supported when November rolls around.” CNN data analyst Harry Enten emphasized that the inflation-driven backlash is unprecedented in magnitude.

NewsweekTrump’s Blue-Collar Firewall Shows Signs of Collapse in New PollsDaily BeastPoll: Trump’s approval rating hits another low on prices as Democrats hit +8 on generic ballotForbes

Polls differ on the exact magnitude of Trump’s decline. While the Economist/YouGov survey shows a 34 % approval rating, Fox News reports 39 % and Strength-in-Numbers reports 37 %. Net approval on inflation ranges from -46 (Reuters/Ipsos) to -47 (Strength-in-Numbers). Some surveys, such as Emerson College, note a modest one-point rise in approval during the week of May 22-26, suggesting short-term fluctuations. No source provides detailed demographic breakdowns beyond broad party affiliation, leaving gaps in understanding the full scope of voter sentiment.

Forbes

• “Donald Trump has been struggling on inflation basically for well over a year now,” — Harry Enten, CNN data analyst

Daily Beast

• “You rarely see this type of movement, but the Iran war has hit Americans’ wallets, and they are taking it out on the president of the United States.” — Harry Enten, CNN data analyst

Daily Beast

• “Only one in three Americans approves of how Donald Trump is handling his job as president, lower than Trump's approval in any weekly Economist/YouGov Poll over his two terms as president, and lower than Joe Biden ever received during his term.” — Allen Houston, Economist/YouGov

Newsweek

• “The ultimate poll was November 5th 2024 when nearly 80 million Americans overwhelmingly elected President Trump to deliver on his popular and commonsense agenda. No other President in history has accomplished more for the American people than President Trump, who is working tirelessly to create jobs, cool inflation, increase housing affordability, and more. The President has already made historic progress not only in America but around the world, and this is just the beginning as his agenda continues taking effect.” — Davis Ingle, White House Spokesman

Newsweek

• “Trump's approval rating among Republicans and the decisive victories in Republican primaries of the candidates whom he has supported are now unequivocal evidence for his power over the party -- even as this party may suffer a major defeat in the midterm elections with the larger electorate, over whom Trump has decreasing sway.” — Robert Y. Shapiro, Columbia University

Newsweek

With the next federal elections only months away, the polling data suggest that the Republican Party must contend with a president whose personal approval is at a record low while still leveraging his influence over primary voters. Upcoming battleground surveys will likely gauge whether the inflation-driven backlash translates into measurable electoral losses for GOP candidates in November.

Newsweek