Trump’s current economy approval rating is 22 points below first-term level, new poll finds
Public frustration with President Donald Trump’s economic management is now evident in his approval rating.
Recent data show that as voters remain concerned about the cost of living, Trump’s overall approval has reached its lowest point across both terms.
These figures contribute to an already challenging political environment ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Donald Trump’s poll numbers hit a new low as economy raises concerns
Per a CNN/SSRS poll conducted in mid-September among 1,206 U.S. adults, 33% approve of Trump’s job performance, while 67% disapprove. The poll has a margin of error of 3.8 percentage points.
The 33% approval mark represents a new low across Trump’s two terms (via Forbes). At the same point in 2018, his approval stood at 36% in the CNN/SSRS comparison, while 58% disapproved.
The President’s approval rating for economic management has dropped 22 points since September 2018, while Americans’ overall assessment of the economy has declined by 41 points.
Another PBS/NPR/Marist poll, conducted September 14-15 among 1,280 registered voters, found 39% approved of Trump’s performance and 53% disapproved.
Affordability remains a major concern for voters, and recent surveys indicate widespread dissatisfaction with household finances and the cost of living.
Affordability concerns expand from wages to health care under Trump’s administration
Economic pressures have prompted the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers to engage in the midterm elections. According to The Guardian, the union, which represents nearly 700,000 active and retired members, has launched a “workers v billionaires” campaign in eight battleground states.
IAM president Brian Bryant said the union wants lawmakers to focus on workers. “We’re living in an economy that only favors billionaires and does not favor working people,” he told the outlet.
Union members who supported Trump in 2024 referenced his promises to lower prices, but are now citing concerns about inflation, fuel costs, health care expenses, and other rising costs.
Per The Washington Post, health care has also emerged as part of the affordability debate as Vice President J.D. Vance and administration officials announced plans to remove about 760,000 Affordable Care Act enrollees from coverage.
Officials state they have identified fraudulent or improper enrollments and estimate the action could save the federal government $2.2 billion. Additional verification may be required for 419,000 enrollees, though critics warn that eligible individuals could lose coverage during this process.