Trump Economic Approval Rating Dropped Significantly
A new poll reveals that only 26 percent of U.S. adults approve of President Trump's handling of the economy.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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The latest AP-NORC poll shows a 14-point decline in approval for President Trump's economic management since March 2025. Currently, just 26 percent of U.S. adults approve of his performance, while 65 percent blame his policies for the high cost of living.
Why it matters
The findings highlight widespread public dissatisfaction with economic conditions and the president's policy direction. With midterm elections approaching, the data suggests significant headwinds for the administration as voters express concerns about food and gas affordability.
A national poll recorded a 26 percent approval rating for President Trump's economic handling and a 17 percent approval for his management of the cost of living. These figures arrive as 65 percent of U.S. adults attribute current high costs to administration policies.
The players
Donald Trump
Donald Trump serves as the current President of the United States.
JD Vance
JD Vance serves as the Vice President of the United States.
The details
Roughly half of all U.S. adults report concerns regarding their ability to afford basic necessities like food and gas. Notably, internal party support has also softened, with 6 out of 10 Republicans now disapproving of how the president is handling the cost of living.
Timeline
March 2025: President Trump took office for his second term.
October 1, 2026: The AP-NORC poll results were published.
Macro View
The current economic approval ratings for President Trump mirror the figures recorded for President Biden in June 2022. This comparison provides a historical parallel for executive performance during periods of sustained public concern over the cost of living.
The findings underscore significant consumer anxiety regarding the affordability of food and gas, which continues to strain household budgets across the country. These concerns directly influence how families manage their monthly spending and expectations for future financial stability.
The takeaway
Public concern over the cost of living remains a dominant issue that continues to impact political sentiment and economic confidence. Tracking these approval ratings provides insight into how the administration may attempt to recalibrate its messaging before the November midterm elections.
What happens next
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance will begin a 32-day campaign blitz starting on Thursday, leading up to the midterm elections on November 3.
Further reading
For more information on national financial trends, visit the Economic Indicators section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AP NEWS.
Live Poll
Do you hold the current administration responsible for the recent increase in your household costs?
