Donald Trump Approval Ratings Hit Record Lows Over Economy

Recent polling indicates that Donald Trump is facing a significant collapse in public support, with overall approval hitting 35% to 36% across multiple surveys. An NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll shows a record gap between approval (36%) and disapproval (59%), while his handling of the economy has fallen to a level lower than the worst ratings recorded for Joe Biden.

Economic dissatisfaction is widespread, with Pennsylvania voters reporting a second-term low of 29% approval in a Franklin & Marshall College poll. Rural voters, traditionally a stronghold, have seen a 32-percentage-point decline in support since Trump returned to office, with net approval dropping to -10 points. These trends are attributed to rising food and fuel costs exacerbated by tariffs and the conflict in Iran, leading 45% of Americans to cancel summer vacations due to cost.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended the administration's agenda, arguing that inflation and energy prices will drop once the situation in Iran is resolved. Despite these declines, a CNN/SSRS poll suggests Trump still maintains a slightly higher favorability rating (34%) than Joe Biden (30%). However, the downturn among rural voters is viewed as a critical vulnerability for Republicans ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections, where they hold narrow majorities in Congress.