By Karim Hammam
President Donald Trump's approval rating on the economy has fallen to 26%, a new low, with only 17% of U.S. adults approving his handling of the cost of living, according to a recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll. A majority of 65% now blame Trump's policies for persistently high costs rather than external factors.
The dismal numbers arrive as midterm elections on November 3 will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress. The findings reflect growing weariness over Trump's aggressive tariff use and continued unhappiness with the conflict with Iran.
Polling Shows Deepening Discontent
A Reuters/Ipsos poll last week placed Trump's overall approval at 32% heading into the midterms. Registered voters favored Democrats over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot 47% to 36%, a lead that holds among likely voters at 53% to 44%. The survey also found 73% of voters say their cost of living is heading in the wrong direction.
Midterm Election Dynamics
Democratic Senate candidates are leading in several key battleground states, including Texas and Alaska, where Trump won comfortably in 2024, according to New York Times polling. Trump has maintained an aggressive rally schedule, urging voters to treat the election as a referendum on his presidency.
Voter Frustration Over Economy
Rising food and gas prices have triggered widespread buyer's remorse. About seven in ten Americans say Trump's handling of the cost of living has been worse than expected, including roughly half of Republicans. Roughly half of U.S. adults report being extremely or very concerned about affording groceries and gas.
Voters across party lines expressed disappointment. Pedro Sanchez, a law enforcement worker from California who voted for Trump, said prices are "extremely exorbitant" and his disposable income has been eaten up. Bethany Lnenicka, a small farm operator in Iowa who voted for Trump three times, described groceries as "out of control." Kristen Slaven, a therapist in Mississippi, criticized the administration's focus on renaming geographic features while families struggle to feed themselves.
Republican Disappointment
Even many Republicans fault Trump for failing to deliver promised economic relief. Robert Gault, a retired factory worker from Pennsylvania, said he hoped things would be better but they are "not really good." Trump's current economic approval marks a 14-percentage-point drop from March 2025, a significant departure from his first term when the economy was often a strength.
