Trump's economic approval rating hits record low amid rising inflation

In the United States, President Donald Trump's approval ratings have seen a significant decline, particularly concerning his economic policies. Polling data reveals that only 37% of Americans currently approve of his handling of the economy, which marks the lowest point for his presidency. This downturn in confidence coincides with rising inflation and economic uncertainty, exacerbated by Trump's oft-criticized tariff strategy. The president has publicly responded to these figures by attacking Fox News, particularly Rupert Murdoch, implying that their coverage has contributed to his plummeting approval. These sentiments were echoed by various commentators on Fox News, who highlighted growing skepticism among voters regarding Trump's economic decisions. Additionally, a Gallup poll indicates that 53% of Americans perceive their economic situation as worsening, a concerning trend that has not been seen since 2001. Further complicating the president's standing among his supporters, a Pew Research Center survey shows that his approval rating has dropped to 40%, lower than that of any previous president at this stage in their term. The decline has been particularly pronounced among groups of voters who were previously supportive of him, such as nonvoters and those who voted for him in the 2024 election. Alarmingly, 49% of Americans believe Trump's policies are weakening the economy, contrasting with a plurality of Americans who previously viewed Joe Biden's policies as strengthening it. These trends suggest a troubling shift in public opinion that could have serious implications for Trump's prospects moving forward, especially as his supporters exhibit increased anxiety over his tariff policies. The internal dissent within Trump's base was reflected in Republican confidence regarding his economic decision-making, which has fallen from 92% at his inauguration to just 80% now. While a slim majority continue to support his tariff initiatives, there is notable discontent among them, as evidenced by nearly 30% of Republicans expressing disapproval. The ramifications of the deteriorating economic confidence are likely to influence upcoming elections, especially as voters express a preference for stability and lawfulness in governance. With a sizeable portion of Americans indicating dissatisfaction with Trump's governance style, concerns about his reliance on executive orders further amplify the disillusionment with his presidency. Overall, as the economic situation worsens and the approval ratings reflect the public's growing unease, it is evident that Trump's traditional base, accustomed to strong support, is reevaluating their stance in light of ongoing economic turbulence.