Story perspectives

Only 17% Approve Trump’s Cost-of-Living Response

By Drooid · Oct 4, 2026, 3:31 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump earned a 31% overall approval rating in an AP-NORC poll Sept. 24-28, 2024.
Only 26% of adults approved his handling of the economy.
Seventeen percent approved his response to the cost of living, a new low.
Sixty-five percent blamed Trump’s policies for persistently high prices.
Trump defended taxpayer-funded TV ads, saying they are ‘for the country.’

History

Historical Context

In 1992 incumbent George H. W. Bush’s approval fell as a recession cut his popular-vote share to 37.5%, the lowest for a sitting president since 1912, while Bill Clinton won with 43% and 370 electoral votes. Ross Perot captured 18.9% as a third-party force. Today’s low approval for Donald Trump echoes that economic backlash, hinting at a similar shift in 2024.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump earned a 31% overall approval rating in an AP-NORC poll Sept. 24-28, 2024.
Only 26% of adults approved his handling of the economy.
Seventeen percent approved his response to the cost of living, a new low.
Sixty-five percent blamed Trump’s policies for persistently high prices.
Trump defended taxpayer-funded TV ads, saying they are ‘for the country.’

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