Trump's Approval Rating Hits New Low: Economy Concerns Dominate

In the ever-evolving landscape of American politics, President Donald Trump's approval rating has hit a new low since his inauguration, with the economy emerging as the primary concern for voters. According to a recent NBC News poll, only 47% of Americans approve of Trump's job performance, while 51% disapprove. This marks a significant shift from his previous highs and underscores the deep economic concerns that are driving voter dissatisfaction.



The current public sentiment towards Trump's handling of the economy is notably negative, with 56% of Americans disapproving of his performance on this issue, according to a CNN poll conducted by SSRS. This level of dissatisfaction is worse than at any point during his first term in office. In contrast, previous administrations have generally fared better in their early terms. For instance, Bill Clinton had a 51% approval rating on the economy in February 1993, which is significantly higher than Trump's current 42% approval rating. Similarly, Barack Obama had a 59% approval rating on the economy in February 2009, and George W. Bush had a 53% approval rating in February 2001. These comparisons highlight the current dissatisfaction with Trump's economic management.

Several factors contribute to the current dissatisfaction. One key factor is the implementation of tariffs on U.S. neighbors and other allies, which has led to jittery markets and businesses. Additionally, Trump's handling of inflation and the cost of living has been a significant point of contention, with 55% of voters disapproving of his performance in this area. The public's pessimistic shift, particularly among Democrats since Trump's election, has also played a role in the current economic sentiment. Only 18% of voters rate the economy as “excellent” or “good,” which is within a handful of points of the poorest economic marks during the Biden administration, according to CNBC polling from 2022. This data underscores the deep economic concerns that are driving the current dissatisfaction with Trump's economic policies.

The potential long-term economic implications of Trump's tariff policies are significant. The tariffs could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries, which could further disrupt global supply chains and increase costs for businesses and consumers. This could lead to a decrease in economic growth and an increase in inflation, which could further erode investor confidence and market stability.

The tariffs could also lead to a decrease in foreign direct investment, as investors may be hesitant to invest in the U.S. due to the uncertainty and potential costs associated with the tariffs. This could lead to a decrease in job creation and economic growth, further exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the U.S.

In summary, Trump's tariff policies have the potential to have significant long-term economic implications, including a decrease in investor confidence and market stability, an increase in costs for businesses and consumers, and a decrease in foreign direct investment and job creation. These implications could further exacerbate the economic challenges faced by the U.S. and lead to a decrease in economic growth and an increase in inflation.

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the economic concerns that are driving voter dissatisfaction with Trump's policies will likely continue to be a major factor in shaping public opinion. With the economy remaining the top issue for voters, Trump's ability to address these concerns and restore investor confidence will be crucial in determining his political future.