Full Breakdown
Trump’s Approval Rating Hits Record Lows in Early July Polls
7/10/2026, 1:59:51 PM
Record-Low Approval Ratings in Early July
Two national surveys released in the first week of July show President Donald Trump’s net approval at historic lows. An Economist/YouGov poll of 1,603 adults (July 3-6) recorded 35 % approval and 61 % disapproval, yielding a net rating of -26, matching the lowest point in that series recorded in May 2026. A separate online poll by Focaldata (July 6) reported a net rating of -23, also described by the pollster as an “all-time low” for its series. Both polls indicate a sustained period of deep public discontent during the president’s second term.
Issue-by-Issue Poll Breakdown
The Focaldata survey (2,016 adults, June 26-30) highlighted the president’s weakest areas:
- Housing – 22 % approve, net -32.
- Inflation and cost of living – 20 % approve, net -47.
- Jobs and the economy – 29 % approve, net -27.
- Foreign policy – 30 % approve, net -20.
- Immigration and border security – 41 % approve, net -5.
Disapproval has risen for four consecutive months, reaching 57 % in the latest data, suggesting broad-based weakness rather than a single policy failure.
White House Rebuttal
The administration dismissed the polls as an incomplete picture of the president’s record.
> “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.” — Davis Ingle, White House spokesman
> “Historic progress… and this is just the beginning as his agenda continues taking effect.” — Davis Ingle, White House spokesman
Political Implications
Presidential approval is a key indicator of electoral strength. Historically, sustained net-negative approval creates headwinds for the incumbent party in midterm elections. The current ratings therefore raise questions about the Republican Party’s prospects in the upcoming cycle.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The two polls differ on the exact net figure (-26 vs. -23) and on the timing of data collection, though both label the results as all-time lows for their series. Neither source provides longitudinal data beyond the cited months, leaving a gap in understanding whether the trend will continue or reverse before the next electoral test.
