Full Breakdown
Trump’s Approval Rating Falls to New Second-Term Low
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Sharp Decline in Public Favorability
A recent Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted from late September to early October 2026 found that only 30 % approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance, while 68 % disapprove. This is the lowest approval level of his second term and matches the 29 % low at the end of his first term after the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
Background & Context
President Trump returned to the White House in 2025 after winning the 2024 election. Since then, his administration has faced a conflict with Iran, tariff disputes with Canada, and rising inflation that have kept the economy a central voter concern. Earlier in his second term, approval hovered in the mid-40s, but foreign-policy setbacks and economic pressures appear to have accelerated the decline.
Data & Statistics
- Overall approval – 30 % approve, 68 % disapprove (Pew).
- Support among 2024 Trump voters – 67 % approve, down from 75 % in July 2026.
- Demographic breakdowns (Pew)
- Hispanic backers: 57 % approve; White Trump voters: 69 % approve.
- Age 19-34: 49 % approve; age 35-49: 58 % approve; ages 50-64 and 65+: 76 % approve.
- Confidence in issue handling (Pew)
- Economy: 35 % very or somewhat confident (down 7 points since April 2026).
- Foreign policy: 35 % very or somewhat confident (down 9 points since April 2025).
- Immigration: 41 % very or somewhat confident.
- Perceived conflict of interest (Pew) – 30 % say they are confident Trump can keep his business interests separate; 69 % lack confidence.
- Other recent polls
- Reuters/Ipsos: 32 % approve, 65 % disapprove.
- CBS News: 39 % approve, 61 % disapprove.
- Civiqs: 34 % approve, 60 % disapprove.
- Economist/YouGov: 38 % approve, 60 % disapprove.
- Real Clear Politics aggregate: 38.5 % approval, 59.3 % disapproval.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Polls differ on the exact approval level, ranging from 30 % (Pew) to 39 % (CBS). Methodological differences—sample size, respondent eligibility, and timing—contribute to the spread. None provide longitudinal data linking approval shifts directly to specific policy actions, leaving a gap in understanding causal drivers.
Why It Matters / Impact
The decline occurs weeks before the 2026 midterm elections, where Republicans aim to retain narrow majorities in Congress. Lower approval among younger and Hispanic supporters—groups that previously bolstered his base—could weaken GOP turnout. Reduced confidence in Trump’s handling of the economy, foreign policy, and potential conflicts of interest may influence voter judgments on fiscal and diplomatic issues central to the campaigns.
What's Next
Pollsters will release additional surveys throughout the fall of 2026, tracking whether the trend continues as the midterms approach. Campaign strategists on both sides are likely to incorporate the latest approval figures into messaging and voter-mobilization efforts.