President Donald Trump’s economic approval rating has hit a record low. A new poll shows most Americans think the economy is heading in the wrong direction. The findings come as households continue to feel the strain of persistently high prices.
New data highlights voter concerns about the economy
The latest Economist/YouGov poll finds that only 29% of Americans approve of how Trump is handling the economy, while 63% disapprove. That net rating of -34 shows his weakest showing on the issue across both terms in office. At the same stage of his first administration, Trump enjoyed a positive net score of +8, with more Americans backing his approach than opposing it.
Donald Trump’s approval rating on the economy now sits at a level that alarms even Republican strategists. The new poll further reveals that 57% of Americans believe the economy is worsening. Only 14% say conditions are improving. While the figure has dipped slightly from recent weeks, it remains well above the norm recorded during the last four years.
Beneath the topline numbers, the survey exposes divides driven by political allegiance. Among those who strongly approve of Trump’s overall performance, 53% describe the economy as getting better. That collapses to 22% among people who somewhat approve of him. Then drops to 5% among those who somewhat disapprove, and bottoms out at just 1% for Americans who strongly disapprove of the president.
The driving force behind Trump’s approval rating appears to be the daily cost of living. Americans across the board report steep increases in the price of essentials. Majorities say car and housing costs have climbed a lot over the past year. The figures are starker for food and fuel. 76% of Americans say gas prices have surged a lot, and another 14% say they have risen a little. Just 3% report a decline. This broad-based anxiety over household expenses is shaping public judgment more than any other economic indicator.
Originally written by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory.
