Trump's Economic Approval Hits Historic Low as Inflation, War Impact Voters
President Trump's economic approval ratings have plummeted to historic lows, with multiple recent polls showing his handling of the economy at 30 to 37 percent approval. The decline has been sharp and sustained. When Trump entered office in January 2025, about 50 percent approved of his economic stewardship. Now, roughly two-thirds of Americans disapprove. Cost of living remains the top concern, with 77 percent saying Trump's policies have increased prices in their communities. Higher gas prices linked to the Iran war and persistent inflation are major drivers. Even a majority of Republicans are now critical of his inflation handling. The White House argues the declines are temporary disruptions and points to Trump's 2024 election victory as a mandate for the agenda, but the trend shows no signs of reversing with midterm elections approaching.
Key facts
- Trump's economic approval stands at 30-37% across major polls, with net ratings between -24 and -40—the lowest of his political career
- In January 2025, 50% of Americans approved of his economic handling; now roughly 65-70% disapprove
- 77% of Americans, including a majority of Republicans, say Trump's policies have increased the cost of living in their communities
- Only 25-27% approve of Trump's handling of inflation, down from much higher levels earlier in 2025
- 69% of independents disapprove of Trump, up from 62% in January—a core voting block for 2026 midterms
- Approval among non-MAGA Republicans on the economy fell from 69% to 55% in recent quarters
- Gas prices average $4.53 per gallon, up due to the Iran war; crude oil surged roughly 40% since war began
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets frame Trump's economic troubles as a complete repudiation of his core 2024 campaign message and warn it signals a political realignment on economic trust. They highlight that for the first time since 2010, Democrats are more trusted than Republicans on the economy, and stress the Iran war's role in inflation and voter anger.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning White House responses frame the polling as disconnected from Trump's election mandate and argue the administration is executing long-term policies on tax cuts, deregulation, and energy that will eventually deliver results. Some conservative critics quietly acknowledge Trump's focus on geopolitical issues over kitchen-table economics has been a misstep.
Limits of this briefing
Polls measure sentiment at a snapshot in time and can shift. The White House contests these numbers and points to Trump's 2024 election victory; however, all major polling firms show consistent, sustained decline across multiple surveys since January 2025.
Sources
- Axios: Trump's economic polling is in freefall Centre
- AP-NORC: Fewer approve of Trump's handling of the economy Centre
- CBS News/YouGov Poll: Stress, uncertainty as economy views decline; Trump's economic approach questioned Centre
- Newsweek: Trump Approval Rating on Economy Sinks Across Three New Polls Centre
- Nate Silver (Silver Bulletin): Trump Approval Rating: Latest Polls - Silver Bulletin Centre