President Donald Trump’s approval ratings regarding his handling of the economy have reached a new low, according to a recent AP-NORC poll. As the 2026 midterm elections draw closer, only 31% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s economic policies, a significant drop from 40% in March. This decline highlights the growing concerns among voters about two key issues that contributed to his initial election success.
The poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that Trump’s economic approval is the lowest recorded in either his first or second term. Additionally, his overall approval rating has decreased to 36%, down from 42% earlier this year. This suggests that while some Americans express dissatisfaction with specific aspects of his presidency, they may still view him favorably overall.
Trump’s challenges extend beyond economic issues. His handling of immigration has also seen a sharp decline in approval, with only 38% of respondents supporting his policies, down from 49% in March. This downturn indicates that even once-favored issues are becoming potential liabilities for the president as he prepares for the upcoming elections.
Public Sentiment and Party Support
Despite these setbacks, Trump’s base remains largely supportive. Approximately 69% of Republicans still approve of his economic management, although this figure represents a decrease from 78% earlier this year. Larry Reynolds, a 74-year-old retiree from Wadsworth, Ohio, expressed his belief in Trump’s import duties but also articulated concerns that rates have become excessive, potentially harming the economy.
Trump’s approval ratings on crime have also decreased. Just a few months ago, 53% of Americans approved of his approach to crime, but this figure has since fallen to 43%. The diminishing confidence in his policies is evident, as more voters appear to be losing faith in Trump’s ability to address these critical issues effectively.
While many Americans continue to express dissatisfaction with the economy, with 68% labeling it as “poor,” Trump’s relatively strong approval on border security remains a silver lining. Currently, 50% of U.S. adults approve of his management of border security, a slight drop from 55% in September. This issue appears to garner bipartisan support, with a significant portion of independents also backing Trump’s border initiatives.
Healthcare and Government Management Concerns
Trump’s approval ratings on healthcare have also dipped, with only 30% of U.S. adults expressing satisfaction with his performance in this area. As the deadline for extending Affordable Care Act subsidies looms, Congress and the president are grappling with finding bipartisan solutions. The fallout from the recent government shutdown has further complicated perceptions of Trump’s leadership, with his approval for managing the federal government falling to 35% from 43% in March.
Some voters, like Shaniqwa Copeland, a 30-year-old home health aide from St. Augustine, Florida, express frustration with the healthcare system but are uncertain about assigning blame to either Trump or President Joe Biden. Copeland shared her struggles in accessing dental care, highlighting a broader sentiment that healthcare issues are persisting regardless of political leadership.
The findings from the AP-NORC poll illustrate a complex landscape for Trump as he faces mounting challenges on multiple fronts. With voter sentiment shifting on critical issues such as the economy and immigration, the upcoming midterms will test the resilience of his support base and his ability to regain ground on these pivotal topics.
