Trump Disapproval Rating Hits Record High in Latest Polls

Six in ten Americans now say President Donald Trump is doing a bad job, according to the latest polling data, marking a significant decline in his approval ratings as economic concerns and partisan divisions deepen. The most recent surveys, conducted in late April and early May 2026, show his disapproval rating at a record high, with even some of his core Republican supporters expressing dissatisfaction. The findings come as the president faces mounting pressure over inflation, trade policy, and the fallout from the ongoing Iran war, which has driven gasoline prices higher and further strained public confidence.

This shift in public opinion is not just a statistical blip but a reflection of broader trends: Americans are increasingly critical of Trump’s handling of the economy, his personal traits, and the direction of the country. The latest data from Pew Research Center, Rasmussen Reports, and Ipsos/ABC News/Washington Post polls all point to a president whose approval rating has fallen to its lowest point since his return to office in January 2025.

What’s driving this decline? The answer lies in a combination of economic anxiety, partisan polarization, and shifting priorities among voters. For the first time in his presidency, Trump’s approval rating on the economy has dropped below 40%, with a net disapproval margin of -21, according to the CNBC All-America Economic survey. Meanwhile, his overall job approval rating stands at 37%, with a disapproval rating of 62%—a record high across both of his terms.

Record Disapproval: The Numbers Behind the Trend

The Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll, conducted April 24-28, 2026, found that 62% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s performance, the highest disapproval rating ever recorded for him. This represents a sharp increase from just six months ago, when his disapproval rating hovered around 55%. The poll also revealed that even among Republicans, only 81% approve of his job performance, down from 88% in earlier surveys. This erosion of support within his own party is particularly noteworthy, as it signals a broader loss of confidence in his leadership.

According to the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll from April 27, 2026, 44% of likely U.S. Voters approve of Trump’s job performance, while 54% disapprove. The net disapproval index stands at -17, reflecting a stark contrast to the optimism that marked the early days of his second term. The same poll found that Trump’s approval rating on the economy has fallen to 39%, with a disapproval rating of 58%—a net disapproval of -19.

Pew Research Center’s May 2026 survey, conducted April 20-26, found that Americans’ views of several of Trump’s personal traits have become more negative compared to 2024. For example, only 32% of Americans now say Trump is honest and trustworthy, down from 45% two years ago. Similarly, just 29% describe him as respectful, a significant drop from 41% in 2024. These findings underscore a broader trend: Americans are not just dissatisfied with Trump’s policies but with his character and leadership style as well.

Economic Concerns and the Iran War’s Impact

The primary driver of Trump’s declining approval is the economy. The ongoing Iran war has disrupted global energy markets, leading to surging gasoline prices and further exacerbating inflation concerns. According to the AP-NORC poll, Trump’s approval on the economy has slumped over the past month, with even Republicans showing less faith in his leadership. The Ipsos poll from April 2026 found that Americans identify the economy as the nation’s most pressing concern, with inflation and the cost of living topping the list of worries.

This economic anxiety is not limited to Democrats. While Trump’s disapproval rating among Democrats remains high (82%), even among Republicans, 19% now disapprove of his handling of the economy—a significant increase from previous months. The message is clear: economic dissatisfaction is cutting across party lines, and Trump’s ability to address these concerns will be critical in the lead-up to the November midterm elections.

Partisan Divisions and the Road Ahead

Despite the record disapproval, Trump’s support among Republicans remains robust, though it has softened compared to earlier in his term. This partisan divide is a defining feature of his presidency, with Democrats overwhelmingly critical of his policies and leadership. The latest Pew Research Center data shows that Americans continue to view both the Republican and Democratic parties negatively, but the intensity of dissatisfaction is higher for Trump.

Looking ahead, the next few months will be crucial. The midterm elections are just six months away, and Trump’s approval ratings will likely continue to be a key indicator of his political fortunes. If the current trend persists, it could spell trouble for Republicans in Congress, where they hold razor-thin majorities in both the House and Senate.

Key Takeaways

• Record Disapproval: Trump’s disapproval rating has hit 62%, the highest ever recorded for him, according to the Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll.
• Economic Anxiety: Only 39% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, with disapproval at 58%, according to Rasmussen Reports.
• Partisan Erosion: Even among Republicans, Trump’s approval has slipped to 81%, down from 88% in earlier surveys.
• Personal Traits: Views of Trump’s honesty, respectfulness, and integrity have declined significantly since 2024, according to Pew Research Center.
• Election Implications: The midterm elections in November will be a critical test for Trump’s political legacy and the future of his party.

As the political landscape shifts, one thing is clear: President Trump’s approval ratings are at a historic low, and the path to recovery will require addressing the economic concerns that are driving public dissatisfaction. For now, the numbers paint a picture of a president facing unprecedented challenges in his second term.

What Happens Next?

The next major checkpoint will be the release of the next set of economic data, including inflation and unemployment figures, which are expected in early June. These reports will be closely watched by both the White House and political analysts, as they could further influence public opinion ahead of the midterms. The outcome of the midterm elections will provide a clear measure of Trump’s political standing and the direction of his party.

In the meantime, readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the latest polls and what they signify for the future of American politics. How do you see these trends affecting the upcoming elections? Let us know in the comments below.