The political landscape in the United States is witnessing a significant shift as recent polling data reveals a troubling trend for former President Donald Trump. A Gallup poll conducted in early April indicates that a record 53% of Americans believe their economic situation is deteriorating. This marks the first time since 2001 that a majority of the population has expressed such pessimism regarding their financial circumstances.
Declining approval ratings
In conjunction with these alarming economic sentiments, only 37% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. This represents the lowest approval rating Trump has received on economic matters throughout his political career. The implications of these numbers are profound, particularly as they come from a demographic that once rallied behind his promises of economic revitalization.
Public perception of Trump’s policies
As Trump approaches the 100-day mark of his latest term, his approval rating has plummeted to 44%, a figure that is notably lower than the ratings of his predecessors—Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush—at similar points in their presidencies. This decline in public support has prompted Trump to respond with characteristic bravado, taking to social media to criticize the polling agencies and media outlets that report these unfavorable statistics.
Key issues affecting approval ratings
Despite Trump’s claims of a “golden age” of prosperity, the reality appears starkly different. The Fox poll reveals that the only area where a majority of registered voters (55%) approve of Trump’s performance is in border security. In contrast, his approval ratings for handling inflation, tariffs, and overall economic management hover between a dismal 33% and 38%. Furthermore, only 28% of voters believe the economy is improving, a slight decrease from the previous year.
Overall, the sentiment among voters is clear: more than half (51%) believe Trump’s policies are detrimental to the country, while only 40% feel they are beneficial. Even in immigration—a traditionally strong issue for Trump—approval ratings are teetering at just 47%, with disapproval nearly matching that figure at 48%. As the economic outlook continues to darken, Trump’s promises of prosperity seem increasingly hollow, leaving many Americans questioning the effectiveness of his administration’s policies.
