President Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 38%, marking a new low for his second term, according to recent polling data. The figure represents a sharp 14-percentage-point decline from the 52% approval rating he held when he took office in January 2025.
Multiple polling averages, including The New York Times tracker, show Trump’s approval hovering around 38% as of early August 2026, with 59% of Americans disapproving of his job performance. This represents the lowest point of his second administration, which began just 18 months ago.
Economic concerns are the primary driver of the decline. Voters have grown increasingly frustrated with inflation and rising gas prices, with Trump’s approval rating on the economy falling to just 27% in some polls, according to reporting from multiple outlets. Axios reported in May 2026 that Trump’s failure to temper inflation and the fallout of the Iran war had turned voters against him.
The collapse in support extends across demographic groups. According to YouGov polling from late July, Trump’s net approval among independents fell to -53, a dramatic swing from -4 at the start of his term. His approval among rural Americans also hit a new low of 50% in June, down from 60% in February 2025, according to NBC News polling.
The Trajectory of Declining Support
Trump’s approval slide has been relatively steady throughout 2025 and into 2026. By April 2025, just three months into his term, his approval had already dropped to 40%, according to Pew Research. The decline accelerated through the spring and summer of 2026 as economic headwinds intensified.
The Washington Post reported in May 2026 that voter confidence in the economy had plummeted to historic lows, directly impacting Trump’s overall approval. CNN polling from June showed Trump was losing ground on multiple fronts, including his handling of inflation, foreign policy, and personal traits voters once associated with him.
Unlike his first term, where Trump’s approval ratings remained relatively stable despite polarizing events, his second-term approval has followed a consistent downward trajectory. The New York Times noted that while his ratings were “remarkably stable” in the first year, they have continued to erode as economic conditions have remained challenging for average Americans.
Sources
- The New York Times — polling average showing 38% approval and 59% disapproval as of August 3, 2026
- Forbes — reporting Trump began second term with 52% approval and has declined to record lows
- Axios — analysis of Trump’s approval decline tied to inflation and Iran war fallout
- NBC News — polling showing Trump’s approval among rural Americans at new low of 50%
- YouGov/The Economist — polling data on Trump’s net approval among independents at -53
- Washington Post — reporting on voter confidence in economy and impact on Trump approval
- CNN — polling on Trump’s approval across multiple issue areas
