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President Trump’s approval rating has shown improvement, rising to 41% according to a new Reuters/Ipsos survey, up from 38% in mid-November. The poll, conducted from December 3-8, indicates the increase is partly driven by growing support among Republicans, particularly regarding his handling of economic issues.
The survey revealed Trump’s approval on dealing with the cost of living jumped from 26% last month to 31% currently, fueled by a 10-point increase among Republican respondents. This comes at a crucial moment as the president prepares to deliver a major address on the economy and affordability in the battleground state of Pennsylvania.
Trump’s focus on lowering prices was a central campaign theme that helped propel Republicans to sweeping victories last year, when the GOP reclaimed the White House and Senate while maintaining control of the House. However, Democrats have recently gained momentum, achieving decisive victories in the 2025 elections last month and performing better than expected in a special congressional election in Tennessee last week.
Democrats have capitalized on persistent inflation concerns, with the most recent Labor Department report showing inflation at 3% year-over-year in September, slightly up from 2.9% in August. Despite these economic headwinds, Trump has increasingly engaged with affordability issues in recent weeks, scaling back some tariffs and pledging to address high food prices.
“President Trump is going to give a positive, economic focused speech where he talks about all that he and his team has done to provide bigger paychecks and lower prices for the American people,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News’ “Fox and Friends” on Tuesday morning.
The president’s messaging on the economy has sometimes appeared contradictory. While he has described Democrats’ focus on affordability as a “hoax,” he has simultaneously become more active in addressing price concerns. When asked by Politico what grade he would give the economy ahead of his speech, Trump responded with “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus.”
This assessment stands in stark contrast to public perception. The most recent Fox News national poll conducted in mid-November showed three-quarters of respondents viewed the economy negatively. That same poll reported Trump’s approval at 41%, his lowest rating during his second term. By a nearly two-to-one margin, voters indicated they believe Trump bears more responsibility for current economic conditions than former President Joe Biden.
Democratic critics have seized on this disconnect. Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis charged that “unfortunately, President Trump refuses to see how millions of Americans are struggling with skyrocketing costs for health care, for food and more, just basic necessities.” Davis added, “He thinks what regular Americans are going through is just a ‘con job,’ using his term.”
The Reuters/Ipsos survey, which questioned 4,434 respondents nationwide and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points, comes during a challenging period for the president. Trump’s overall approval rating has remained in negative territory in nearly every national poll conducted since mid-October, with economic concerns playing a significant role in those numbers.
As the administration navigates these economic challenges, today’s speech represents an important opportunity for the president to address affordability concerns and potentially build on his recent gains in public approval. The event also highlights Pennsylvania’s continued importance as a key battleground state where economic messaging will likely play a crucial role in upcoming elections.
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9 Comments
Trump’s focus on cost of living issues seems to be paying off with his base. But the broader electorate will be looking for solutions, not just rhetoric, to address persistent inflation concerns.
The increase in Trump’s approval on handling the cost of living is noteworthy, but it remains to be seen whether this will translate into broader electoral success for the GOP.
Voters will likely be looking for pragmatic solutions, not just partisan rhetoric, when it comes to tackling affordability challenges.
This poll reflects the complex political landscape, where economic factors are a key driver of voter sentiment. It will be crucial for both parties to offer concrete plans to address affordability if they want to win over the electorate.
The survey suggests Trump’s strategy of emphasizing pocketbook issues is resonating with some voters. However, the Democrats’ recent successes indicate they may be gaining ground on economic messaging as well.
It will be interesting to see how the two parties position themselves on economic issues leading up to the next election cycle.
The poll results highlight the ongoing partisan divide, with Republicans rallying behind Trump’s economic agenda. However, Democrats appear to be making gains as well, so it will be a close race going forward.
Interesting to see Trump’s approval improving, likely due to his messaging on affordability and the economy resonating with Republicans. It will be important to see how this plays out in the next election cycle.
This poll highlights the importance of economic concerns in shaping political allegiances. Both parties will need to articulate clear, actionable plans to address inflation and cost of living pressures.