Full Breakdown
Trump’s Approval Rating Hits Historic Lows Amid Midterm Countdown
8/12/2026, 6:05:06 AM
Core Event: Record-Low Approval in Latest Polls
A poll conducted August 7–10 by The Economist/YouGov of 1,589 U.S. adults found 33 % approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance and 62 % disapprove, giving a net approval of -29 – the lowest net rating recorded by that pollster in either of Trump’s terms. A Quinnipiac University poll of 963 registered voters July 23–27 reported 32 % approval and 58 % disapproval. Nate Silver’s aggregate placed Trump’s net approval at -20.4 on July 30, just above the term-low of -20.6 recorded earlier that month.
Background & Context: A Steep Decline Since 2025
When Trump entered his second term in January 2025, approval hovered between 47 % and 52 %. Since then, the resumed Iran war, persistent inflation and rising gas prices have driven the rating downward. The net approval that briefly recovered to -16.6 on July 13 slid again after the Iran conflict intensified.
Data & Statistics: Demographics, Issues, and Party Outlook
- Demographic splits – Hispanics: 27 % approve, 66 % disapprove; women: 29 % approve, 66 % disapprove; white Americans: 39 % approve, 57 % disapprove; independents: 18 % approve, 71 % disapprove.
- Religious groups – Born-again Protestants show a +22 net approval; Catholics a -10 net rating.
- Issue-specific ratings – Net approval of -12.4 on immigration, -23.7 on trade, -29.9 on the economy, -42.3 on inflation (Silver).
- Governance perceptions – 61 % say Trump is using the presidency for personal gain; 55 % think the DOJ is being weaponized.
- National mood – 65 % say the country is headed in the wrong direction, up two points from late July.
- Generic ballot – Democrats lead Republicans by 6.7 points (Silver, July 22), a margin that historically favors the party in congressional elections.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump told Punchbowl News that Republican anger is directed at congressional leaders, not at him, asserting, “A lot of them are very angry at Republicans, to be honest with you.” On Truth Social he claimed his “real polling numbers” are the best they have ever been, citing tax cuts, employment gains and foreign-policy victories. The White House highlighted executive actions on birth tourism, customs enforcement and critical mineral supply chains as evidence of effective governance.
Criticism & Opposition
Political scientist Grant Reeher (Syracuse) called the latest poll “definitely of concern” for GOP midterm prospects. Economist D. Stephen Voss (Kentucky) warned that historically low presidential ratings usually translate into congressional losses. Justin Buchler (Case Western) described Trump’s approval as “range-bound,” noting a core supporter base limits any upward swing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Polls differ on the exact approval level: The Economist/YouGov 33 %, The New York Times average 38 %, AP/Norco late-July 33 %, CNN late-July 34 %, Reuters/Ipsos 35 %. The August poll’s margin of error (±3.2 pp) leaves a range of possible values.
What’s Next: Midterms and Campaign Activity
The November 3 midterms are scheduled, and Democrats are favored to gain control of both chambers. Trump held a tele-rally on August 10 supporting South Carolina Senator Darline Graham and continues public appearances, including a recent visit to Geneva, Ohio. The administration has signed 48 executive orders in 2026 and is expected to issue more as the election season intensifies.
