Is Trump’s Economic Approval Recently at an All-Time Low?

In an increasingly polarized political landscape, recent polling reveals troubling trends for President Donald Trump's economic approval ratings. According to the latest CNBC All-America Economic Survey, Trump's approval rating on economic management has plummeted to an unprecedented low, illustrating the growing discontent among Americans over key issues such as tariffs, inflation, and government spending. The survey, conducted from April 9 to 13, indicates that only 43% of respondents approve of Trump's handling of the economy, while a significant 55% disapprove. This marks the first occasion in any CNBC poll where Trump has been net negative on economic issues during his presidency. Jay Campbell, a partner at Hart Associates, noted that Trump was initially reelected on the promise of improving the economy, but many voters are expressing dissatisfaction with what they perceive as unmet expectations. "Donald Trump was reelected specifically to improve the economy, and so far, people are not liking what they're seeing," Campbell stated. An analysis of the survey's findings reveals a sharp turn towards pessimism, with 49% of Americans believing the economy will worsen in the next year, the most negative outlook since early 2023. Among Republican respondents, however, a stark contrast emerges, with 76% believing the economy is set to improve, highlighting a partisan divide that seems to shape perceptions of economic health. Tariffs, a major component of Trump's economic policy, are viewed unfavorably by the public. The survey uncovered a 49% to 35% disapproval rate regarding the imposition of across-the-board tariffs, with 83% of Democrats and a substantial portion of independents opposing them. Interestingly, while 59% of Republicans support tariffs, this reflects a notable decline from their previous approval ratings during Trump’s first term. This suggests that even within his party, skepticism about economic strategy is gaining ground. Inflation is another area where Trump is struggling to maintain support. A staggering 60% of the public disapproves of his policies on inflation, which has led to concerns that the U.S. may be heading towards a recession. This sentiment is echoed by 57% of respondents who believe the country is poised for, or already experiencing, economic downturn. Among the struggles, Trump does have some favorable numbers, particularly concerning immigration, where his approach to border control enjoys a 53% approval rating. However, these isolated successes offer little solace in the face of widespread economic discontent. While Democrats may find some cause for optimism in Trump’s declining ratings, current polls show little indication of significant gains for them in congressional preferences. The public's mood can shift rapidly, and as dissatisfaction continues to rise over economic management, the implications for Trump's administration may prove detrimental as it heads into the critical legislative sessions ahead. These developments raise significant questions about the future of Trump's economic policies and their acceptability among a skeptical electorate. As public opinion evolves, both parties will need to navigate these turbulent waters carefully to maintain support and address the real concerns of American voters. How will these changing perceptions affect the upcoming legislative agenda? What further policy shifts might be anticipated as the administration responds to public sentiment? We invite readers to weigh in. What are your thoughts on Trump's economic policies? Do you feel more optimistic or pessimistic about the economy's future? Share your comments below.

• approval ratings
• Economy
• Trump