Full Breakdown
Trump’s Approval Rating Hits Record Lows Across Multiple Polls
6/2/2026, 4:15:34 AM
Record-Low Approval Ratings in Recent Polls
Two high-profile surveys released in late May show President Donald Trump at historic lows. The Big Data Poll, fielded May 24-27 among 3,121 registered voters, recorded a 39.4 % overall approval rating (19.9 % strongly approve) and a 57.4 % disapproval rate (46.2 % strongly disapprove). Its “intensity index” of –26.3 points marks the widest negative gap the firm has ever measured. A separate YouGov/The Economist poll conducted May 22-26 reported an even lower 34 % approval and 59 % disapproval, yielding a net-approval score of –26 %, the lowest across both of Trump’s terms.
Background: Economic Strain, Cost-of-Living Pressures, and the Iran Conflict
Voters cited three primary grievances. First, the economy and jobs drew only 38.5 % approval versus 56.9 % disapproval, while 63 % of respondents said the economy was getting worse. Second, the cost of living earned a 29 % approval rating against 66.5 % disapproval, and 43 % said their families were financially worse off than a year ago. Third, handling of the war in Iran attracted 33.7 % approval and 58.3 % disapproval; 36.5 % supported U.S. strikes on Iran, while 53.4 % opposed them.
Data & Statistics
- Overall approval: 39.4 % (Big Data) vs. 34 % (YouGov/Economist).
- Disapproval: 57.4 % (Big Data) vs. 59 % (YouGov/Economist).
- Issue-specific gaps: Economy (-18.4 pts), cost of living (-37.5 pts), Iran war (-24.6 pts).
- Partisan net scores: Republicans +61 pts (down 30 pts since Jan 2025); Democrats –96 pts; Independents –44 pts.
- Margin of error: ±1.8 pts (registered voters) for Big Data; ±3.6 pts for YouGov/Economist.
Official Statements & Responses
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle defended the president, emphasizing that the “ultimate poll” was the 2024 election in which nearly 80 million Americans chose Trump. Ingle highlighted Trump’s record on job creation, inflation cooling, housing affordability, and “historic progress” domestically and abroad, framing the low numbers as a temporary dip rather than a loss of mandate.
Criticism & Opposition
Rich Baris, director of Big Data Poll, warned that “Republicans have dug themselves into a massive hole” after a year of voter clarity. Prominent MAGA figures—including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and Megyn Kelly—have publicly split with Trump, arguing his support for Israel and involvement in Iran betray “America First.” Rep. Thomas Massie’s Kentucky primary became a proxy battle over the party’s direction, with Massie criticized for opposing Trump on issues such as the Epstein case and the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel mocked the numbers, calling them “the lowest ever” and likening Trump’s rating to the film *Paul Blart: Mall Cop*. Latino support also eroded, with 25 % of 2024 Latino voters now saying they would not vote for Trump.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Big Data Poll’s May figure of 39.4 % contrasts with its own earlier statement of a “4 %” approval—a likely typographical error that creates uncertainty. YouGov/Economist’s 34 % figure differs by over five points from Big Data’s result, while a New York Times poll reported 38 % approval and a Politico poll showed a similar erosion. All surveys note margins of error, but the lack of a single, definitive number hampers precise assessment of the president’s standing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When asked for comment, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told Newsweek: "The ultimate poll was November 5, 2024, when nearly 80 million Americans overwhelmingly elected President Trump to deliver on his popular and commonsense agenda.” — Davis Ingle, White House spokesperson
- “After a year of voters making themselves clear while granting an unheard-of amount of political grace, Republicans have dug themselves into a massive hole by not heeding their warnings.” — Rich Baris, director, Big Data Poll
- “Trump’s approval numbers, like his testicles, have sunk to an all-time low,” — Jimmy Kimmel, comedian
- “Polarization has raised the floor and lowered the ceiling for approval ratings,” — Brandon Rottinghaus, professor of political science, University of Houston
- “MAGA is me. MAGA loves everything I do, and I love everything I do,” — Donald Trump, NBC News interview
Why It Matters: Electoral Outlook and Polarization
The slump arrives six months before the 2026 midterms, prompting Republican strategists to reassess messaging and voter outreach. Declining support among traditionally reliable constituencies—working-class whites, Latino voters, and even some MAGA leaders—suggests potential losses in swing districts. Scholars note that heightened polarization has “raised the floor and lowered the ceiling” for presidential ratings, making dramatic swings less likely and turning approval into a proxy for partisan identity.
What’s Next: Midterms and Future Polling
Upcoming congressional primaries and the November midterm elections will test whether the current disapproval translates into electoral setbacks. Pollsters anticipate continued tracking of approval trends, with particular focus on economic indicators and the administration’s stance on Iran, as these issues dominate voter concerns.
