Trump economic approval hits new low: Survey

Public frustration over prices drives Trump’s economic approval to a new low

Provpnadvice.com – President Trump’s standing on the economy has weakened sharply as many Americans continue to feel pressure from high prices and a rising cost of living. A new AP-NORC Research Center survey found broad dissatisfaction with the administration’s economic direction, including among a notable share of Republican respondents.

The poll, conducted from Sept. 24 through Sept. 28 among 2,140 adults, found that 73 percent disapprove of Trump’s management of the economy. Just 26 percent approve of his overall economic performance, while only 17 percent approve of his response to cost-of-living concerns.

Economic concerns remain especially consequential because they affect daily decisions: grocery bills, fuel costs, housing expenses and household budgeting. The survey suggests that many voters do not see the administration’s agenda as delivering the relief they expected after Trump returned to the White House last year.

Most respondents say the agenda has fallen short

Nearly seven in 10 respondents, or 69 percent, described Trump’s economic agenda as worse than they anticipated. That view extended beyond Democrats and independents, with about half of Republicans sharing it.

“Worse than expected.”

Another 23 percent said the president’s performance on the economy has matched their expectations. Only 7 percent said it has been better than expected.

The numbers also show a substantial slide in sentiment since earlier in Trump’s term. Approval of his economic agenda has declined by 14 percentage points since March 2025. The downturn comes as national attention remains focused on prices and whether the administration’s policies can ease financial strain for families.

Sixty-five percent of U.S. adults said Trump’s policies bear more responsibility for high prices than other economic forces. That finding points to a difficult political reality for the White House: even when inflation and prices are influenced by numerous domestic and global factors, presidents often receive public credit or blame for the economic conditions voters experience most directly.

Views of the country mirror concerns about the economy

A majority of respondents said both the national economy and the country overall have deteriorated since Trump’s return to office. Sixty-one percent said the economy is worse off under the current administration, compared with 23 percent who believe it is better off.

Answers about the country’s broader condition were nearly identical. Another 61 percent said the United States is worse off, while 26 percent said it is better off.

Those results indicate that economic unease is part of a wider assessment of the administration rather than an isolated concern. For voters, perceptions of the economy often shape their view of leadership on other issues, particularly when the cost of basic goods and services remains a regular source of anxiety.

Disappointment reaches trade, foreign policy and immigration

Respondents also gave negative assessments to Trump’s handling of several major policy areas. Fifty-eight percent said his approach to trade negotiations has been worse than expected. The same response was recorded by 55 percent on foreign policy and 48 percent on immigration.

The administration is also confronting the continuing Iran war, which reached seven months on Monday. The conflict has been linked to higher prices, contributed to inflation earlier this year and may continue to influence inflation next year. Gas prices have also climbed during the war, adding another visible cost for consumers.

Energy prices can have an outsized effect on public confidence because they are frequently seen by consumers and can influence transportation and business costs. When fuel becomes more expensive, households may feel the consequences quickly, while businesses can face increased costs moving goods and providing services.

Questions remain over campaign promises

The survey found limited confidence that Trump has fulfilled his campaign commitments. About 17 percent of respondents, including Republicans and Democrats, said he has not delivered on those promises. That view was held by 87 percent of Democratic respondents.

Among Republicans, 48 percent said Trump has attempted to keep his commitments but has often been unable to do so. The result reflects a more mixed judgment within the president’s own party, even as Republicans continue to be a central source of his political support.

Trump’s overall approval has declined throughout the summer, falling into the low 30s in several polls. A Wall Street Journal survey released last Friday placed his approval rating at 37 percent, described as the lowest level for a president before midterm elections since the publication began tracking the measure in 1990.

The AP-NORC poll carries a margin of sampling error of 2.9 percentage points. While individual surveys offer a snapshot rather than a final verdict, the latest findings underline the challenge facing Trump and congressional Republicans as economic dissatisfaction, inflation concerns and the Iran war continue to shape public opinion.