President Donald Trump’s approval rating dipped in two national polls this week, raising questions about economic strategy and campaign momentum.
At a Glance
- Trump’s approval rating fell to 42% in a new Reuters/Ipsos poll
- A YouGov/Economist poll held steady at 44%, signaling base support
- Economic concerns—particularly over tariffs—are driving discontent
- Trump’s approval is still higher than most of his first-term average
- Support among Republican voters remains overwhelmingly strong
Poll Numbers Diverge
According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, President Trump’s approval rating slipped to 42%, down two points from the previous week and matching the lowest level of his second term. The survey, conducted May 16–18, attributes the drop to growing dissatisfaction with the administration’s economic direction—particularly increased tariffs on foreign goods.
Watch a report: Trump’s Approval Rating Slips in Latest Economic Poll.
However, a separate YouGov/The Economist poll from the same period found Trump’s approval unchanged at 44%, highlighting the durability of his political base. The poll showed that although independent voters expressed concern about economic turbulence, Republican support remained firm.
Economic Anxiety Fuels Discontent
At the heart of the decline is voter anxiety over Trump’s economic strategy. In the Reuters poll, only 39% of respondents approved of Trump’s handling of the economy, citing worries about rising consumer costs and trade war fallout. The administration’s call for major retailers to absorb tariff costs has not reassured markets or voters.
Despite that, Trump has framed the tariffs as essential to preserving American jobs and rebalancing trade with China and the European Union. Still, some analysts warn that persistent inflation combined with higher import costs could undermine the broader economic recovery.
GOP Base Holds Firm
Although national numbers are softening, Trump continues to command overwhelming loyalty among Republican voters. As reported by The Times, 81% of GOP respondents still support his trade agenda, including the controversial tariffs. This suggests that Trump’s core support remains resilient heading into the final year of his second term.
A Historical Perspective
Trump’s current approval levels are still stronger than they were for much of his first term. According to long-range trend data, his 2025 average of 43–44% surpasses levels seen during the mid-2018 to early 2020 period. However, his ratings continue to lag behind those of past presidents like Barack Obama or even Joe Biden during their comparable time in office.
While some polls offer glimmers of stability, the general trend reflects tightening public confidence amid economic uncertainty. With inflationary pressure rising and trade tensions flaring, the administration’s ability to steer the economy could determine whether these numbers stabilize—or sink further.
