Trump’s Popularity Ratings Plummet Amid Economic Concerns

US President Donald Trump saying that he is bring back Columbus Day back (Image credit The White House)
Trump Approval Ratings Hit New Low Amid Economic Policy Backlash, Polls Show
By TRH News Desk
New Delhi, April 28, 2025: US President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have hit a new low since the start of his second term, according to recent polls. The massive slump in endorsement comes amid growing dissatisfaction with his economic policies and tariff decisions.
The latest data from Navigator Research, reported by Newsweek on April 11, shows Trump’s approval rating at 44%, with 53% disapproving, a net approval of -9 points. This marks a significant 7-point drop from March and an 11-point decline since early February, when 49% approved of his performance.
The New York Times also reported on April 25 that Trump’s approval has sunk to 45%, down from 52% shortly after his January inauguration.
The Navigator poll, conducted from April 3-7 among 1,000 respondents, highlights a sharp decline in public support, particularly on economic issues. A striking 55% disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, with 58% expressing an unfavourable view of his tariff policies.
This aligns with Morning Consult’s findings, which show 48% of voters disapproving of Trump’s economic management, and the Fabrizio/Journal poll, where 54% oppose his tariffs. The RealClearPolitics tracker further contextualizes this, noting Trump’s net approval on April 9, 2017, during his first term, was -13 points, suggesting he is more popular now than then but still struggling compared to his post-inauguration highs.
The economic turbulence stems largely from Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, announced on April 2, which initially rocked markets and fueled recession fears. Although he paused most tariffs on April 9, the damage to his popularity appears to linger.
An NBC News poll from April 11-20, surveying 19,682 adults, found 60% believe America is on the wrong track, with 61% disapproving of Trump’s handling of tariffs and trade.
Sarah Conway, a political analyst, in a post on X commented, “Trump’s tariff misstep has cost him dearly. The 55% disapproval on economic handling in Navigator’s poll is a red flag for his administration. Voters are feeling the pinch and blaming his policies.”
Michael Torres, a professor of political science, noted in a post on X, “Trump’s net approval of -9 points in the latest Navigator poll shows he’s losing independents fast. His tariff pause might help, but the economic damage is done — voters are worried about inflation and recession.”
Torres’s observation underscores the challenge Trump faces in regaining trust on economic issues, a traditional strength for Republicans.
Laura Bennett, a veteran pollster, warned in a post on X, “With 60% of Americans saying the country is on the wrong track per NBC News, Trump’s 44% approval is a ticking time bomb for the GOP. Midterms in 2026 could see a backlash if this continues.”
Trump’s approval ratings have fluctuated since his second term began, starting at a high of 47% in Gallup’s January poll but steadily declining as economic concerns mounted. The New York Times/Siena poll from April 21-24 reported a net approval of -12 points, with 54% disapproving of Trump’s overall job performance and his handling of key issues like the economy and immigration.
This dissatisfaction could impact Republican support as the 2026 midterms approach, especially if economic conditions worsen.
While Trump retains strong support among Republicans — 90% approval per Gallup’s April 1-14 poll — his numbers among independents have dropped to 37%, a 9-point decline since January. This erosion of support among key demographics, coupled with widespread economic unease, paints a challenging picture for the president as he navigates his second term.
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