Story perspectives

Independents’ Trump Approval Plummets to 25% Amid Cost Concerns

6/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Support among independent voters aged 18-29 fell from 42% to 25% during his second term.
Overall independent approval dropped 17 points to roughly 25%, with non-college independents falling from 48% to 27%.
Support among Black independents fell from 38% to 17% and Hispanic independents from 46% to 15%.
Only one-third of independents approve of President Donald Trump’s economic handling, with half citing inflation, food and gas costs as their concern.

History

Historical Context

In the 1992 presidential race, incumbent Republican George H. W. Bush lost to Democratic governor Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot captured 18.9% of the popular vote as a third-party candidate. The election came after the Cold War’s end and a recession, and it was the first incumbent defeat since 1980, showing how losing centrist voters can end a reelection bid.

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Story summary

Support among independent voters aged 18-29 fell from 42% to 25% during his second term.
Overall independent approval dropped 17 points to roughly 25%, with non-college independents falling from 48% to 27%.
Support among Black independents fell from 38% to 17% and Hispanic independents from 46% to 15%.
Only one-third of independents approve of President Donald Trump’s economic handling, with half citing inflation, food and gas costs as their concern.

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