President Trump’s approval ratings have plummeted to record lows, with only 36% of Americans saying they approve of his job performance, according to a recent poll. The survey, conducted by NPR/PBS News/Marist, found that Trump’s handling of the economy is a major factor in his declining popularity, with just 33% of Americans approving of his economic policies.
The poll, which surveyed 1,340 respondents, found that 59% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s overall job performance, marking the widest gap in his presidency. Notably, 22% of Republicans say they disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, while the share of Republicans who strongly approve of his job performance has dropped to 53% from 61% in April.
Trump’s Economic Struggles
The economy is a major concern for Americans, with more than three-quarters saying that gas prices are a strain on their budgets. The survey found that 45% of Americans say they don’t plan on taking a summer vacation this year, with about half of those people citing cost as the main reason. The erosion in Trump’s support continues to cut across multiple demographic groups, including white Americans without a college degree, who are increasingly dissatisfied with his handling of the economy.
Some Americans, like 36-year-old Trump voter Regina Kulenga, are feeling the effects of the economy firsthand. Kulenga, who drives an electric car, said that while she doesn’t have to worry about high gas prices, her family members are struggling with rising costs for transportation and groceries. She expressed disappointment with Trump’s actions, saying that his policies have made things “a lot worse” for the economy.
Others, like 68-year-old Greg Votel, a retired law enforcement officer, remain supportive of Trump, saying that the president “can only do so much” when faced with opposition from Congress. Votel believes that it will take time for Trump’s plans to come to fruition, but acknowledges that the economy is a major challenge.
Implications for the Midterm Elections
The poll’s findings have significant implications for the upcoming midterm elections, where Democrats are showing more enthusiasm to vote and potentially regain control of both the House and Senate. With high inflation, ongoing war in Iran, and Trump administration policies around tariffs, the economy is likely to be a major issue on the campaign trail.
The survey’s results suggest that Americans are feeling the pinch of economic uncertainty, with two-thirds of adults saying that cost has had some or a great deal of impact on their summer plans. As the midterm elections approach, it remains to be seen how Trump’s low approval ratings will affect Republican candidates and the overall electoral landscape.
