Story perspectives

Trump Hits Historic –50 Net Approval Among Independents

6/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Economist/YouGov poll shows President Donald Trump’s net approval among independents at a historic –50.
June 2026 data give Trump roughly 30% approval, 63% disapproval and a net –33 among independents.
Support from independents without a college degree fell from about 48% pre-inauguration to 25% in spring 2026.
The White House rejected the polls, saying the 2024 election win is the ultimate gauge of support.

History

Historical Context

In the 1998 midterms, Democrats gained five House seats while Republicans, led by Speaker Newt Gingrich, ran ads blaming Democrats for President Bill Clinton’s Lewinsky scandal; voters opposed impeachment, and the Starr Report released on September 11 drew 20 million (12 % of adults) viewers. That backlash showed how scandals can shrink cross-party support, a pattern echoed in 2026 polls where former President Donald Trump holds only 30 % independent approval.

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Story summary

The Economist/YouGov poll shows President Donald Trump’s net approval among independents at a historic –50.
June 2026 data give Trump roughly 30% approval, 63% disapproval and a net –33 among independents.
Support from independents without a college degree fell from about 48% pre-inauguration to 25% in spring 2026.
The White House rejected the polls, saying the 2024 election win is the ultimate gauge of support.

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