Trump’s assertion that voters are “not angry at me” is at odds with the national approval data available on August 7. Recent polls put his approval mostly in the low-to-mid 30s, while roughly 58% to 66% disapprove.
Recent approval polls
| Poll | Field dates | Approve | Disapprove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac | Jul. 23–27 | 32% | 58% |
| AP-NORC | Jul. 23–27 | 33% | 66% |
| CNN/SSRS | Jul. 23–27 | 34% | 66% |
| Marquette Law School | Jul. 22–29 | 40% | 60% |
The broad pattern is clear: Trump is underwater in every cited survey, with the gap typically around 20 to 33 points.
Polling averages
- Silver Bulletin’s August 7 average showed 38.2% approval and 58.4% disapproval, a net -20.2—described as a second-term low.
- The New York Times tracker had him at 38% approval and 59% disapproval.
- The Economist/YouGov tracker showed 35% approval, 60% disapproval, for a net -25.
Polling strongly suggests the economy is a major driver of Trump’s weak approval, particularly inflation, cost-of-living pressures, and gas prices. But it is not the sole cause: voters also solidly disapprove of his handling of the Iran conflict and foreign policy in general.
Nevertheless, Trump retains substantial Republican support—AP-NORC found 73% of Republicans approving. However, his highest approval rating among Republicans during his second term was 84%, measured by Pew Research in February 2025.
Trump Won Voters’ Trust on Inflation in 2024. Now Economic Frustration Is Dragging Him Down
Starting in the 2024 campaign cycle, Donald Trump repeatedly stated he’d end inflation and immediately lower prices when he took office. And his claim appealed to many because three quarters of registered voters said they were experiencing some level of economic hardship due to inflation.
After running a successful presidential election campaign based on ending inflation, and other economic issues such as affordability, Trump has now begun to dismiss public concern over rising prices and the state of the national economy. In fact, he referred to public debate over rising costs of goods and services as a political “con job,” indicated that inflation had been defeated, and suggested that future price increases will be reduced dramatically (or drop “like a rock”) when the conflict with Iran ends.
Trump’s low approval ratings are turning out to be a significant threat for Republican members of Congress entering into this year’s midterm elections.
