Polls: Trump Approval Ratings Sink as Voters Sour on His Handling of the Economy, Inflation

President Trump’s approval ratings have taken a noticeable dip, particularly as public sentiment sour on his management of the economy, inflation, and related issues. Recent polling data underscores a growing dissatisfaction among U.S. voters, revealing a landscape where confidence in the president’s economic policies is dwindling rapidly.

A CBS News survey published recently reflects that only 36% of participants approve of Trump’s handling of inflation, while a stark 64% express disapproval. Furthermore, overall ratings for economic management are similarly grim: just 41% approve of his performance, leaving 59% discontent. His overall job approval stands at 43%, with 56% disapproving. Notably, while Trump enjoys substantial support among Republicans—91% approval—the broader electorate paints a different picture.

Contrastingly, the latest NBC News poll adds another layer to this narrative, indicating that 57% of Americans disapprove of the president’s job performance, with approval at 43%. This presents a complicated dynamic for Trump and the GOP alike, as dissatisfaction seeps into the evaluation of the Democratic Party, which sits at just 41% approval and 59% disapproval among voters.

Historically, Trump’s ratings are low compared to his predecessors. While he had benefited from positive economic perceptions during earlier years of his administration, the current climate reflects a stark shift. Approval ratings have declined significantly from 50% in March, prior to the introduction of tariff measures designed to curb imports, showing an overall downward trend.

The economic anxieties extend beyond mere approval ratings. In terms of inflation and cost of living, 61% of respondents in the NBC News poll expressed dissatisfaction with Trump’s strategies. The recent implementation of tariffs has raised public concern, evident in the CBS News poll where only 38% support Trump’s utilization of this economic tool, with a decisive 62% opposing it. People are apprehensive that these tariffs will exacerbate their financial situations, further entrenching the belief that prices will rise in the short term—a sentiment shared by 71% of participants.

Secretary of the Treasury, Bessent, defended the tariffs on a recent episode of “Meet the Press,” downplaying their direct impact on American consumers despite evidence to the contrary. When confronted with a Goldman Sachs study indicating that a significant portion of tariff revenues comes from American consumers, Bessent insisted that Americans would not bear the costs.

This disconnect between administrative assurances and public perception illustrates the government’s struggle to communicate effectively with its constituents. According to the CBS News survey, an alarming 60% of Americans view the economy as “very or fairly bad,” while a mere 6% perceive it as “very good.” This deep-seated dissatisfaction poses challenges not just for Trump but also for Republican lawmakers ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

As economic concerns continue to mount, Republicans have embarked on an effort to reshape the narrative surrounding their legislative endeavors, notably with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), which has garnered a largely negative response from the electorate. The CBS News data indicates that disapproval sits at a staggering 61%, while only 39% support the legislation. This places the OBBA among the most unpopular legislative initiatives in recent history, outshining even contentious measures like the Affordable Care Act and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

The implications for the political landscape are significant. With broad dissatisfaction toward both the president and the Republican Party and a lack of momentum in rebranding their legislative efforts, the GOP faces a steep uphill battle. Young voters and independents—demographics critical for future election cycles—exhibit particularly low support for recent legislation, with only 30% of those aged 29 or younger expressing positive views.

In conclusion, the current polling data highlights a shifting mood among American voters, marked by growing disenchantment toward President Trump’s economic policy management and the Republican Party’s overall performance. With such a profound disconnect between government assurances and public perception, both parties must navigate this complex landscape with caution as they approach the midterm elections. The urgent need for effective communication, combined with tangible economic improvements, will be crucial if either side hopes to restore public confidence and support.

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