Trump’s Inflation Disapproval Hits Historic Levels Ahead of 2026 Midterms

A new AP-NORC poll released on Thursday showed 82 % of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis, while only 17 % approve. The same poll found 65 % blame Trump’s policies for high prices, compared with 44 % who blame President Joe Biden. Reuters-Ipsos and Marquette Law School also reported 17 % approval on inflation, and CNN’s poll recorded 80 % disapproval. Even among Republicans, a Fox News poll noted 29 % of self-described MAGA Republicans disapproved.

CNN

Trump entered his second term promising lower prices and stronger growth. Since spring 2025, tariffs, a war with Iran that spiked oil prices, and the “One Big Beautiful Bill” tax package have added cost pressures. Analysts at *The Wall Street Journal* and *Alternet* argue these measures, together with rising deficits, have predictable inflationary effects. Long-term Treasury yields have risen about three-quarters of a percentage point since Trump’s return, reaching the highest level since 2002.

Alternet

• AP-NORC (Thursday): 82 % disapprove, 17 % approve; 65 % blame Trump, 44 % blame Biden.

CNN

• Reuters-Ipsos & Marquette Law School: 17 % approval on inflation.

CNN

• CNN poll: 80 % disapprove on inflation.

CNN

• Quinnipiac (Sept 29 2026): 61 % disapprove of Trump’s overall performance; 65 % disapprove of his handling of the economy.

Tallahasee Democrat

• RealClear (Sept 26-28 2026): Disapproval gap –21.2 % (59.9 % disapprove vs. 38.7 % approve).

FitsNews

• Economist YouGov tracker (Sept 29 2026): Net approval –26 %; 35 % approve, 61 % disapprove.

• Historical comparison: The 82 % disapproval on inflation exceeds the 77 % disapproval George W. Bush faced for the economy in 2008 and the 74 % disapproval of Trump’s 2021 pardons.

CNN

President Trump has repeatedly rejected responsibility for the inflation surge.

Economists cited by *Alternet* argue that fiscal restraint never materialized and that tariffs and the Iran conflict directly lifted gasoline and diesel prices.

Alternet

• “Polls show that three out of four Americans don’t believe the president has a plan for handling high gas prices,” — Maine Sen. Susan Collins

HuffPost

• Disapproval on inflation ranges from 80 % to 82 % (AP-NORC) and 61 % (Quinnipiac), reflecting methodological differences.

CNN

• Attribution of blame varies: 65 % of respondents in the AP-NORC poll place blame on Trump, while 44 % blame Biden in another poll.

CNN

• No poll provides a definitive causal analysis linking specific policies to the inflation spike, leaving a gap in understanding the relative impact of tariffs, the Iran war, and fiscal measures.

Alternet

Trump has pledged a $5,000 dividend to every American adult if Republicans retain control of Congress on November 3 2026. The promise, highlighted by FITSNews, adds a financial incentive to the party’s electoral strategy amid the disapproval surge. As the 2026 midterms approach, both parties will monitor how inflation-related dissatisfaction influences swing voters and independent turnout.