Trump’s Approval Rating Plummets to Record Lows in July 2026 Polls

Two national surveys released in early July 2026 show President Donald Trump’s job-approval rating at historic lows. An Economist/YouGov poll conducted July 3-6 among 1,603 U.S. adults recorded 35 % approval and 61 % disapproval, yielding a net approval of -26—the lowest point in that series and the lowest net rating recorded across both of Trump’s terms and President Joe Biden’s administration. A separate Focaldata poll released July 6, based on 2,016 adults, reported a net approval of -23, also described as an “all-time low” for that pollster.

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Trump’s approval has been underwater for most of his second term, with multiple polls since early 2026 showing sub-40 % support. Prior Economist/YouGov surveys in May 2026 already hit a net of -26, and the trend has continued through the summer. Historically, sustained net-negative approval ahead of midterm elections correlates with electoral headwinds for the president’s party.

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• Economist/YouGov (July 3-6): 35 % approve, 61 % disapprove, net -26, margin of error ±3.3 %.

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• Focaldata (June 26-30): Net -23, disapproval rising for four consecutive months to 57 %. Issue-by-issue deficits: housing 22 % approve (net -32), inflation/cost of living 20 % approve (net -47), jobs/economy 29 % approve (net -27).

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• I&I/TIPP (June 29-July 2): 38 % approve, 54 % disapprove, net -16; Republican approval 75 %, independents 27 %.

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• HarrisX (July 6-7): 43 % approve, 54 % disapprove; Republicans 82 % approve, Democrats 12 % approve, independents 32 % approve, MAGA voters 93 % approve.

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• Quantus Insights (July 3, 6, 7): 43.3 % approve, 54.5 % disapprove; 51.2 % strongly disapprove vs. 39.6 % strongly approve.

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Approval hovering around 40 % sits in a range historically linked to congressional losses for the incumbent party. The intensity of strong disapproval—over half of respondents in the Quantus Insights survey—can boost turnout among opposition voters. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Republican candidates must contend with a national environment where independents remain pivotal and overall sentiment toward the president is markedly negative.

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The White House dismissed the polls as an incomplete portrait of the administration’s performance. Spokesman Davis Ingle asserted that “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,” adding that the administration has made “historic progress… and this is just the beginning as his agenda continues taking effect.”

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Political analysts note that the persistent net-negative ratings and rising disapproval suggest a “gradual consolidation of opposition” rather than a temporary dip. The depth of the deficit on core economic issues—particularly inflation and housing—underscores broad-based weakness, raising doubts about the Republican Party’s ability to maintain its congressional majorities.

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• “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

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• “The war was never popular and voters have been frustrated over what they perceive to be a lack of focus on domestic issues,” — Rich Baris, Big Data Poll Director

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• “But this is the first month since the start of the Iran War the picture was a little rosier for the President and Republicans.” — Rich Baris, Big Data Poll Director

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• “That said, these results and the transcripts of interviews conducted make it very clear that the fate of the Republican majorities in November is almost certainly tied to a lasting peace with Iran.” — Rich Baris, Big Data Poll Director

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Net approval figures differ across surveys: -26 (Economist/YouGov), -23 (Focaldata), and -16 (I&I/TIPP). Approval percentages range from 35 % to 43 % depending on the pollster. The sources do not provide a unified explanation for these variations, leaving uncertainty about the precise level of public support.

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Future shifts in Trump’s rating will hinge on “external events and economic perceptions,” according to the analysis. As the 2026 midterm cycle looms, Republicans must navigate a political landscape where approval remains well below 50 % and disapproval dominates, shaping campaign strategies and voter outreach.

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