Full Breakdown
Trump’s Economic Approval Hits Record Low Ahead of Midterms
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Poll Shows Deep Public Frustration
A new Associated Press-NORC poll of 2,140 adults finds that only 17 % of U.S. adults approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of the cost of living, and 26 % approve of his overall economic management. A 65 % majority blames Trump’s policies for persistently high prices, while 73 % disapprove of his handling of the economy. The survey, conducted in late September, was released weeks before the November midterm elections.
Background & Context: Partisan Gridlock and Rising Prices
The poll shows 55 % of registered voters describe the Republican Party as “too extreme,” and 45 % apply that label to the Democratic Party. Both parties are seen as unable to solve important problems, with only about 2 in 10 voters rating either party as “extremely” or “very” able to help people like them. Recent congressional gridlock—two partial government shutdowns over healthcare and immigration spending—has amplified the perception that partisan loyalty hampers progress while everyday costs for groceries, gasoline and other necessities climb.
Data & Statistics: AP-NORC Findings
- Cost-of-living approval: 17 %
- Overall economy approval: 26 % (down 14 points since March 2025)
- Disapproval of economy: 73 %
- Blame for high prices: 65 % attribute it to Trump’s policies; 67 % say external factors are more to blame.
- Republican disapproval of cost-of-living handling: about 6 in 10, up from roughly half in April.
- War with Iran: 69 % say the conflict has not been worth fighting; 28 % approve of Trump’s handling.
- Trade and tariffs: roughly 3 in 10 approve of trade negotiations; 64 % say new tariffs have gone too far.
Official Statements & Responses
The poll’s methodology notes a margin of sampling error of ±2.9 percentage points for adults overall. Party leaders have not issued formal responses within the source material, but the data underscores a strategic challenge for Republicans heading into the November contests: a record-low economic approval rating that rivals the low approval President Joe Biden received during the 2022 midterms.
On-the-Ground Reports: Voter Voices
Republican voters express disappointment despite prior support. One automotive worker from Wisconsin acknowledged inflation’s difficulty while defending tariffs and the war in Iran.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need to seize the opportunity to boldly enact policies that will improve the lives of Americans,” — Meagan Ludwig
- “I was hoping it would be better or different, but it’s not really good,” — Robert Gault, retired factory worker
- “I think inflation is a very difficult thing to tackle,” — Fred Naumann
What’s Next: The November Midterm Elections
The poll’s release comes as both parties mobilize for the November midterms. With Democrats holding a perceived advantage on cost-of-living issues and Republicans facing a “too extreme” label, the election will test whether voter frustration translates into electoral change. The outcome will shape congressional control and the policy agenda heading into the next presidential cycle.