Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to record or near-record lows, with support among middle-aged voters dropping sharply as economic concerns weigh heavily on his presidency. According to the Economist/YouGov poll conducted July 25-27, just 34% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s job performance, tied for the lowest point of either his first or second term, while 62% disapprove, yielding a net approval rating of -28.
The decline is particularly pronounced among voters aged 45 to 64, a demographic that had been more supportive during the early weeks of Trump’s second term. In the same YouGov survey, only 33% of this age group approve of Trump’s handling of his job, with 63% disapproving—a net disapproval of -29 that represents a new low for Trump among middle-aged voters and a dramatic reversal from a net approval of +15 at the start of his second term in January 2025.
The erosion of support in this age group reflects broader economic dissatisfaction. Trump’s net approval rating for handling inflation and prices reached -44 in August, the lowest it has been this term, according to the Economist tracker. Before the resumption of conflict with Iran in mid-July, the average price for a gallon of gasoline was under $3; it has since climbed to around $4, compounding voter frustration with economic conditions.
Trump’s overall approval has declined steadily throughout his second term. The Gallup polling organization reported his rating slipped to 36%, a new second-term low approaching his all-time low of 34%. An AP-NORC poll similarly found Trump’s approval at 33%, down 4 points from its previous survey and the lowest rating that pollster has recorded for him.
The slide among middle-aged voters mirrors broader demographic shifts in Trump’s support. According to the YouGov data, Trump has lost ground among white Americans without college degrees, a traditionally loyal voting bloc, averaging a net job approval of just -6 over three recent polls—the lowest three-week average he has ever received from this group. Non-MAGA Republicans also show signs of erosion, with 55% approving and 43% disapproving, for a net approval of +12, down sharply from +84 at the start of his second term.
The administration’s foreign policy challenges have compounded domestic economic concerns. The Economist’s analysis suggests that 61% of Americans are uneasy about Trump’s ability to deal wisely with international crises, citing the cycle of strikes and failed ceasefire attempts with Iran as a source of concern.
With midterm elections approaching in November 2026, Trump’s declining approval rating poses risks for Republican candidates in competitive races. The Economist’s state-by-state projections show that dissatisfaction with Trump is widespread even in states he won in 2024, potentially dampening Republican turnout and enthusiasm in closely contested House and Senate races.
Sources
- The Economist/YouGov — July 25-27, 2026 poll showing 34% approval (tied for record low), net approval of -28, and age-group breakdown with 45-64 year-olds at 33% approval and -29 net disapproval
- Gallup — Trump’s approval rating at 36%, a new second-term low
- AP-NORC — Trump’s approval at 33%, down 4 points from prior survey
- The Economist Approval Tracker — Net approval at -27 as of August 11, inflation/prices approval at -44, state-by-state projections showing dissatisfaction across Trump-won states
