WASHINGTON D.C. – Economic approval for Donald Trump has sunk to its lowest point, a stark reversal from earlier terms where such metrics generally held positive ground. Recent polling data indicates a significant downturn, with a prevailing sentiment of disapproval regarding his economic stewardship. This shift coincides with a four-year high in U.S. grocery prices, a development that appears to be weighing heavily on public perception.
The aggregate of national polls places Trump's current net approval rating on the economy at a minus 32 points. Among independent voters, this figure plummets further to minus 55 points. This represents the worst net economic approval rating recorded for any president at this stage of their tenure, or indeed any term, on record. For context, at a comparable point in his first term, Trump held a plus-two net approval on the economy, and at the start of his second term, this figure was plus-six.
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Recent surveys paint a consistent picture of public discontent. A CNN poll from April 2026 reveals that approximately two-thirds of Americans believe Trump's policies have exacerbated economic conditions, a 10-point increase since January of that year. A significant majority, around 6 in 10, anticipate a poor economic outlook a year from now, a sentiment not seen this pronounced during either of Trump's presidencies.
| Pollster | Unfavorable % (Approx. Date) |
|---|---|
| AP-NORC Center | 67% (April 20) |
| Reuters/Ipsos | 64% (April 27) |
| Fox News | 58% (April 25) |
| New York Times | 58% (May 1) |
| Big Data Poll | 57% (April 30) |
| Civiqs | 57% (April 29) |
| Silver Bulletin | 57% (April 30) |
| The Economist | 56% (May 1) |
| Emerson College | 56% (April 29) |
| Quantus Insights | 56% (April 23) |
| Quinnipiac University | 55% (April 15) |
| Morning Consult | 53% (April 27) |
| Harvard Caps Harris | 53% (April 26) |
| Rasmussen | 54% (April 30) |
A survey from April 2025 highlighted that 55 percent of Americans disapproved of Trump’s economic management, a net negative of 13 points. This dissatisfaction extends to specific policies, with a majority opposing Trump’s tariff plans. These tariffs are seen by a substantial portion of the populace as contributing to stock market volatility, a view shared even by a majority of Republicans and independents. The data suggests a growing sentiment for Congress to reclaim tariff authority.
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Concerns about inflation, jobs, and the general economic outlook have intensified. While Trump's approval on issues like immigration and crime may hold higher ground, these are reportedly less of a priority for voters at present. Despite the economic headwinds, Trump reportedly retains considerable approval among Republican voters for his overall performance, even where disagreements on economic or foreign policy exist.
This downward trend in economic approval has been building over time. A CNBC survey from October 2025 noted that Trump's economic approval rating was running below his overall approval rating, a continuation of a second-term pattern. The survey found a -13 net approval on the economy, marking the lowest point in any CNBC survey during either of Trump's terms. This economic dissatisfaction has been a persistent factor, contributing to a "precipitous drop in support," as noted in analysis from December 2025.
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