WASHINGTON – A significant portion of the American public expresses deep frustration with President Donald Trump’s management of the economy as rising prices continue to challenge households across the nation. As midterm elections approach, many voters are critical of the economic policies attributed to Trump, with a recent poll revealing alarming statistics that could impact the Republican party’s performance in November.
A new poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research illustrates that only 17% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while just 26% express satisfaction with his overall economic management. These figures represent a troubling low for the Republican president.
Moreover, a significant 65% of respondents hold Trump’s policies accountable for the persistently high costs affecting everyday Americans, suggesting a growing frustration with his administration’s approach. This sentiment is compounded by ongoing concerns regarding the implications of his tariffs and the ongoing conflict in Iran, which many believe are exacerbating economic hardships.
As Trump embarks on an aggressive campaign schedule filled with rallies, the dismal economic approval ratings cast a shadow over his efforts. Even among his own party members, there is a palpable sense of disappointment. “I was hoping it would be better or different, but it’s not really good,” expressed Robert Gault, a retired factory worker from Pennsylvania who identifies as a Republican. His sentiments echo a broader discontent among constituents regarding Trump’s economic promises.
Recent data highlights a growing anxiety among the populace regarding basic necessities. Approximately half of U.S. adults report being “extremely” or “very” concerned about affording essentials such as gas and groceries, up from 39% just a few months ago. “Prices are extremely exorbitant. Just the cost of everything is going up as a result of fuel,” added Pedro Sanchez, a law enforcement officer and Trump supporter from California, illustrating the tangible impact of rising costs on American households.
Trump’s current approval rating regarding economic matters marks a 14 percentage point decline since March 2025, shortly after he assumed office for the second time. This decline is striking, especially considering that during his first term, the economy was often cited as a strong suit for his administration.
During the 2024 campaign, Trump was vocally critical of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris regarding inflation, promising to alleviate financial burdens on Americans. However, disappointment has surged, with about 70% of Americans indicating that Trump’s handling of the cost of living has been “worse than expected,” including a significant portion of Republican voters who are now concerned about their ability to afford basic necessities.
“Groceries are just out of control. It seems like everything is going up,” lamented Bethany Lnenicka, an Iowa farmer and former Trump supporter. She described the relentless nature of rising costs, stating, “It’s just one thing and the next week it’s another thing. It’s just insane.” This reflection of economic reality has led many to re-evaluate their hopes for Trump’s second term.
While dissatisfaction is prevalent, a majority of Republicans—67%—still attribute high prices to factors beyond Trump’s control. Fred Naumann, a long-time Trump supporter from Wisconsin, acknowledged the complexities of inflation, expressing a desire for reduced interest rates while standing by the president’s tariff policies and foreign engagements.
Despite these sentiments, a significant portion of Americans—69%—believes that the ongoing war is not justified, indicating a growing disconnect between Trump’s policies and public opinion. Furthermore, only about 30% of U.S. adults approve of how he manages trade negotiations, marking a decline in confidence since earlier this year.
Overall, only around 30% of Americans approve of Trump’s presidency, with 60% stating the country is worse off compared to when he started his second term. Notably, Trump continues to maintain a relatively stronger approval rating on border security, with approximately half of Americans expressing approval.
In context, Trump’s low economic approval ratings echo the challenges faced by President Biden during a period of record-high inflation. However, the current environment shows a stark contrast in perceptions, with many Americans more inclined to hold Trump responsible for economic woes than they were with Biden in previous elections.
As the nation heads toward the midterm elections, the economic outlook remains uncertain, with voters keenly aware of how presidential policies impact their daily lives. The sentiments expressed by constituents indicate that economic management will be a crucial topic in determining the future political landscape.
___
Colvin reported from New York.
___
The AP-NORC poll of 2,140 adults was conducted Sept. 24-28 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.
