Story perspectives

Trump Lags Independents by 50 Points, Approval Below 20%

7/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump trails independent voters by 50 points in July 2026, with CNN/SSRS at minus 52, Economist/YouGov at minus 53, and approval rates of 24 % (CNN/SSRS) and 19 % (Economist/YouGov) among independents.
Disapproval was 76 % (CNN/SSRS) and 72 % (Economist/YouGov).
Independent net approval fell from minus 35 in July 2025 to minus 52 in July 2026 (April outlier minus 70).
Emerson College Polling shows Democrats leading 53 % to 42 % on the generic congressional ballot in July 2026.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump trails independent voters by 50 points in July 2026, with CNN/SSRS at minus 52, Economist/YouGov at minus 53, and approval rates of 24 % (CNN/SSRS) and 19 % (Economist/YouGov) among independents.
Disapproval was 76 % (CNN/SSRS) and 72 % (Economist/YouGov).
Independent net approval fell from minus 35 in July 2025 to minus 52 in July 2026 (April outlier minus 70).
Emerson College Polling shows Democrats leading 53 % to 42 % on the generic congressional ballot in July 2026.