Trump Approval Slips To 39% As Voters Sour On Economy

Trump Approval Slips To 39% As Voters Sour On Economy

 

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 39 percent, close to the lowest point of his second term, as voters grow increasingly dissatisfied with his handling of the U.S. economy, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.

 

The survey, conducted between December 13 and 15, shows mounting frustration over persistent inflation, rising living costs, and uncertainty driven by trade policy. Trump’s overall approval is down two points from earlier in December and sharply lower than the 47 percent rating he recorded when he returned to office in January 2025.

 

Economic confidence appears to be the central drag. Just 33 percent of respondents said they approve of Trump’s handling of the economy — the weakest showing of his current term. Approval on cost-of-living issues dropped even further, to 27 percent, as inflation continues to hover around 3 percent, above the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target.

 

Notably, erosion is now visible inside Trump’s own party. Republican approval of his economic performance slipped from 78 percent to 72 percent over the course of December, signaling unease among core supporters as tariffs and slowing hiring weigh on sentiment.

 

Economists cited in the poll point to the administration’s trade policies — particularly import tariffs — as contributing to employer caution and reduced hiring. A recent government shutdown also disrupted economic reporting, adding to uncertainty.

 

The White House pushed back strongly. Spokesman Kush Desai said ending what he called the “Biden inflation and affordability crisis” has been a “Day One priority,” pointing to deregulation and drug pricing reforms as evidence inflation is cooling and wages are rising.

 

Trump himself rejected the polling, writing on Truth Social that the economy is enjoying “perhaps the Greatest Economy in the History of our Country” and questioning when polls would “reflect the Greatness of America.”

 

Democrats seized on the numbers, arguing Trump has failed to deliver on promises to cut costs quickly and accusing him of dismissing affordability concerns as a “hoax.”

 

With the 2026 midterm elections looming, analysts say Trump’s political fortunes will remain closely tied to inflation, hiring trends, and whether voters feel tangible relief in household budgets.

Key Takeaways

• Trump’s approval has dropped to 39%, near his term low, driven largely by economic dissatisfaction.

• Only one-third of voters approve of his economic handling, with cost-of-living concerns worsening.

• Eroding Republican support raises warning signs ahead of the 2026 midterms.