Donald Trump takes a hit with Republicans: Approval rating falls as voters say they’re worse off financially since he returned to the White House
President Donald Trump’s standing among Republicans has weakened as voters increasingly express dissatisfaction with the cost of living and his handling of the economy, according to a new Financial Times/Focaldata poll. The survey found that Trump’s net approval among Republicans fell 8 percentage points in one month, while more than half of registered voters said they have been financially worse off since he returned to the White House in January 2025.
Republicans show growing frustration with Donald Trump’s handling of the economy
The August 7-10 survey of 1,913 registered voters found that 55% disapproved of Trump’s performance, while more than 53% said their personal finances have deteriorated since he returned to office. Nearly 57% of independents and almost one-quarter of Republicans said they are worse off financially. The Financial Times/Focaldata poll also found that nearly two-thirds believe the economy is moving in the wrong direction, compared with roughly one-quarter who said it is heading in the right direction.
Democrats gain an advantage on the economy
The findings could create problems for Republicans because traditionally, voters have trusted the GOP more on economic matters. However, reports say that in this poll, respondents were more likely to trust Democrats on inflation, the cost of living, jobs and the economy. According to the poll, about 64% disapprove of Trump’s handling of inflation and the cost of living, including nearly seven in 10 independents and roughly one-third of Republicans.
Other polls have more or less painted the same picture. A July Pew Research Center survey found that 28% of Republicans believe Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions — up from 18% in January. A YouGov/The Economist poll conducted July 31-August 3 found 65% disapproved of Trump’s handling of the economy, while only 30% approved.
Donald Trump retains substantial support within his party
Despite the deterioration in Republican sentiment, Trump retains substantial support within his party. The Pew survey found 69% of Republicans approved of his overall job performance, compared with 29% who disapproved.
However, the Financial Times/Focaldata findings suggest economic dissatisfaction is cutting into that support. With inflation, household expenses and employment expected to remain important voter concerns through November, Republican candidates could face the pressure to defend the Trump administration’s economic record in competitive races.
White House defends Donald Trump’s economic record
The White House has once again dismissed the unflattering poll results. “The Trump administration continues to deliver on the president’s affordability agenda by lowering drug prices, reshoring American jobs and cutting taxes while simultaneously touting a historic drop in violent crime nationwide and the most secure border in history,” White House spokesperson Kush Desai told the Financial Times in response to the poll.
The Trump administration has also repeatedly argued that Trump inherited many of the country’s economic problems from former President Joe Biden. It has pointed to tax reductions, manufacturing investment and declines in some consumer prices as evidence that its policies are improving economic conditions.