Trump’s Approval Ratings Slip Across Key Demographics Ahead of 2026 Midterms

The Economist/YouGov poll of 1,592 U.S. adults conducted August 28-31 2026 shows 27 % of voters aged 30-44 approve of President Donald Trump, while 70 % disapprove, a net rating of -43 points—the lowest for this cohort since the series began in January 2025. The net moved from -12 in March 2025 to -28 in November 2025 and has fallen each month of 2026.

Newsweek

Across all adults, the poll finds 36 % approval and 60 % disapproval (net -24). Presidential approval can affect voter enthusiasm and fundraising ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Compared with the pre-2018 midterm benchmark of a -10 net rating, the current figure suggests a weaker position for the incumbent party.

Newsweek

• Hispanic voters: The August 21-28 survey reports 36 % approval, up from 23 % in May, 31 % in July and 34 % in June. 59 % still disapprove.

Newsweek

• Rural voters: A July 2 poll (June responses) showed a +12 net rating (54 % approve, 42 % disapprove). By the August 2 release (July responses) the net slipped to -3 (45 % approve, 48 % disapprove). A September 1 poll (August responses) records a further decline to -10 (42 % approve, 52 % disapprove). The same September poll places Trump at 37.9 % approval and 56.4 % disapproval nationally.

Newsweek

A Civiqs analysis dated August 31 2026 compares the president’s standing then with January 20 2025. Nationally the net rating is -24. Positive nets remain in Republican strongholds such as Wyoming (+22) and North Dakota (+15). Democratic-leaning states show deep negatives, with Hawaii at -60 and Vermont at -52. All major battleground states—Arizona (-14), Florida (-10), Georgia (-23), Nevada (-23), North Carolina (-16), Ohio (-17), Pennsylvania (-18), Wisconsin (-18)—are now underwater.

Newsweek

White House spokesman Davis Ingle dismissed the polling as less decisive than the November 5 2024 election, calling that “the ultimate poll” that delivered a mandate from “nearly 80 million Americans.” He asserted the administration is delivering a “popular and commonsense agenda,” citing progress on jobs, inflation and housing affordability.

Newsweek

Several Republican senators have opposed the administration’s temporary beef-import policy, arguing it harms domestic cattle markets. Senators John Barrasso, Tom Cotton, Thom Tillis, Mike Rounds, Jerry Moran, Chuck Grassley, Deb Fischer, and Pete Ricketts voiced concerns that subsidized imports could depress prices for U.S. producers and undermine the “America-First” livestock strategy.

Newsweek

• “This is just the beginning as his agenda continues taking effect,” — Davis Ingle, spokesman

Newsweek