President Donald Trump’s net disapproval rating has reached its lowest point during his second term, according to a recent poll by The Economist and YouGov. This decline in approval ratings is particularly significant as it may impact Trump’s political influence in an increasingly polarized environment, especially as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Trump’s tendency to highlight favorable approval ratings at news conferences and campaign rallies may be challenged by these downward trends, suggesting that his support could wane at a critical time for both his administration and the Republican Party.
Upon returning to the White House in January, Trump enjoyed relatively high approval ratings. However, various challenges—including economic instability and criticism over key policies such as immigration and tax reform—have contributed to this recent dip. The fluctuating nature of approval ratings serves as an indicator for the upcoming elections, where Democrats are keen to capitalize on potential weaknesses within the Republican ranks as they endeavor to reclaim control of Congress.
In the latest poll, Trump’s approval stands at 40 percent, while his disapproval rating has climbed to 55 percent, resulting in a net disapproval of -15. This figure represents the lowest Trump has experienced during his current term. Conducted over a short period, from July 25 to July 28, the poll surveyed 1,777 individuals with a margin of error of 3.4 percent. Trump’s approval is notably low on critical issues such as jobs, inflation, and immigration, further indicating areas where his administration is struggling to build public confidence.
Experts weigh in on this downward trend, including D. Stephen Voss, a political science professor who emphasizes that while it’s common for presidents to see approval ratings decline, Trump is experiencing an accelerated loss of support. Unlike past presidents, who generally chose their policy battles more cautiously, Trump’s aggressive pursuit of various initiatives may be alienating voters more rapidly. Economic factors, particularly inflation—a key issue during his initial election—may become increasingly damaging to his approval as consumers face rising prices.
In various media outlets, commentators have echoed these concerns. For instance, Fox News co-host Jessica Tarlov pointed out that Trump’s approval on inflation has sunk to just 36%. The polling data suggests that the American public is frustrated over rising costs, exacerbated by tariffs linked to Trump’s policies. Concurrently, Gallup reported Trump’s job approval dipped to 37%, marking the lowest point of his second term and closely approaching his all-time low of 34% from the end of his first term.
Looking ahead, polling on Trump’s overall approval rating—as well as his standing on specific policy issues—will likely continue to reflect public sentiment week by week. As the 2026 elections draw nearer, the implications of these polling figures could be profound for Trump’s administration and the Republican Party’s electoral strategy, further fueling debates about his effectiveness as a leader and potential candidate moving forward.
