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President Trump’s economic approval ratings have plummeted amid rising inflation and an ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a new poll that reveals growing public dissatisfaction with his administration’s handling of key issues.
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that Trump’s economic approval rating dropped to 30% in April from 38% in March. Americans also show limited confidence in his management of the Iran conflict, with just 32% approving of his leadership on that front.
The poll was conducted between April 16-20, a period marked by volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran repeatedly closed and reopened this critical maritime passage. This instability has contributed to a sharp rise in oil prices and subsequent increases in consumer costs.
Trump’s overall job approval now stands at just 33%, a slight decline from 38% last month, creating potential problems for Republican candidates defending House and Senate majorities in the upcoming midterm elections.
The president’s economic policies have often appeared contradictory. Despite promising to reduce gasoline prices, they have spiked following U.S. military actions against Iran in February. His trade tariffs have created economic uncertainty, while hiring has slowed despite his claims of overseeing a “golden age” for the American economy.
For many former supporters, the disappointment is palpable. Kathryn Bright, a 60-year-old retired Air Force captain from rural Colorado, expressed regret over her previous support for Trump. “I feel disgusted with myself, I feel betrayed, like he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” she said. Bright, who has several disabling medical conditions, was initially attracted to Trump’s promises to support veterans, avoid foreign entanglements, and lower costs.
The cost of living has emerged as Trump’s greatest vulnerability. Only about one-quarter of Americans approve of his handling of this issue. The consumer price index rose 3.3% in March compared to a year earlier, slightly higher than the 3% inflation rate Trump inherited upon returning to office last year.
Even among Republicans, support for Trump’s economic policies is wavering. Only about half of Republican voters approve of his handling of the cost of living, with younger Republicans under 45 particularly disenchanted. About six in ten of these younger Republicans disapprove of Trump’s approach to addressing rising prices.
The president has shown little concern about inflation and has downplayed the rising energy costs resulting from Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz to oil and natural gas tankers. In a CNBC interview on Tuesday, Trump described the conflict as a “little journey” and portrayed the approximately 35% jump in oil prices as better than expected, saying he was “surprised” that oil was only around $90 a barrel rather than the $200 he claimed to have anticipated.
Some steadfast supporters remain committed. Miguel Cortes, a 67-year-old retired aircraft mechanic in South Carolina, believes the price increases from tariffs and the Iran war are temporary sacrifices worth making. “From deep in my soul, I believe God put him there for a reason,” said Cortes, who displays “Make America Great” signage in his garage.
Overall economic sentiment has deteriorated significantly. About three-quarters of Americans now describe the U.S. economy as “very” or “somewhat” poor, up from about two-thirds in February. This decline in confidence occurs as markets experience wild fluctuations, often responding to Trump’s contradictory statements about the Iran conflict.
For many Americans, economic hardship is a daily reality. Heidi Bunting, a 35-year-old student and mother of two in Bowling Green, Ohio, described the economic situation as “awful,” adding, “I’m sure the only people doing well in this economy are those who started with a lot of money.”
Trump’s approval ratings mirror the lowest points of his predecessor, Joe Biden, who saw his approval drop to 36% in July 2022 when inflation reached a four-decade high. Biden’s ratings recovered slightly as inflation eased, raising questions about whether Trump can quickly demonstrate tangible progress to restore public confidence.
Immigration remains a relative bright spot for Trump, with about 40% of Americans approving of his performance on this issue, higher than his overall approval rating and unchanged from last month.
The AP-NORC poll surveyed 2,596 adults with a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.
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18 Comments
Interesting to see the president’s economic approval drop amid rising inflation and geopolitical tensions. This highlights the complexities of managing the economy, especially in volatile times.
Agreed. Voters will likely focus on economic issues like inflation in the upcoming elections, making this poll result significant.
While economic performance is often a key driver of presidential approval, other factors like foreign policy and leadership style also play a role. This poll suggests the president may be struggling on multiple fronts.
That’s a fair assessment. Voters tend to consider a range of issues when evaluating a president’s performance.
The president’s efforts to address inflation and consumer costs will be closely watched in the coming months. Maintaining public confidence in the economy’s direction is crucial.
Agreed. The administration’s ability to effectively manage these economic challenges could have significant political implications.
The tensions with Iran and their impact on oil prices and consumer costs are an interesting angle. Geopolitics can certainly complicate economic management.
Good point. Navigating the interplay between foreign policy and the domestic economy is a major challenge for any administration.
It’s noteworthy that the president’s overall approval rating has also declined. This could signal broader dissatisfaction with his leadership, beyond just the economy.
Good observation. Voters tend to take a holistic view of a president’s performance, so this could be a troubling sign for the administration.
The president’s economic policies have certainly been controversial, with promises not always aligning with outcomes. It will be important to see how voters respond in future elections.
Absolutely. Voters tend to prioritize pocketbook issues, so the administration’s handling of the economy will be closely scrutinized.
The poll results highlight the volatility and complexity of the current economic and geopolitical environment. Careful policymaking will be crucial going forward.
Absolutely. Navigating these challenges will require nuanced, evidence-based decision-making from the administration.
I’m curious to see how this affects the president’s support among key voting blocs, especially in swing states where the economy is a top concern.
Yes, the regional and demographic breakdown of these poll results will be important to watch as we get closer to the midterms.
While the president’s economic policies have had some successes, like the strong job market, this poll suggests a growing unease among the public. Maintaining economic stability is critical.
Absolutely. Balancing different economic indicators and priorities is no easy feat, especially in the face of global uncertainties.