Trump sees record low approval on the economy in new NPR poll : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-06-18 04:00:00 — www.npr.org
President Trump Faces Record-Low Approval Amid Economic Discontent
President Trump’s approval ratings have plummeted to historic lows, with only a third of Americans expressing confidence in his handling of the economy, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. Just 36% of respondents approve of Trump’s overall job performance, while 59% disapprove—marking the widest gap he has faced during either of his terms in office.
Economic Promises Under Scrutiny
The poll reveals deepening dissatisfaction with Trump’s economic stewardship, especially as gas prices and inflation continue to strain household budgets. Notably, even among Republicans, support is eroding: 22% now say they disapprove of his handling of the economy, and the share of those who strongly approve has dropped from 61% in April to 53% in June.
Voters like Regina Kulenga, a Trump supporter from Georgia, voiced frustration over unmet promises. She described Trump’s actions since returning to office as a “slap in the face,” adding, “The economy is suffering a lot right now, and I just feel like a lot of the things that he did promise, you know, we’re still waiting… someone needs to do something about it because he’s not doing anything right now for the economy but making things, I feel, in my opinion, a lot worse than what they were.”
Widespread Disapproval Across Demographics
The erosion of support is not limited to one group. Among independents, 64% disapprove of Trump’s performance, and his approval has dropped among Gen Z, Gen X, and Americans with household incomes below $50,000. Even in rural areas, where Trump once enjoyed a strong advantage, his net approval has turned negative. By a two-to-one margin, Latino respondents also disapprove of his job performance.
Republican Base Remains, But With Reservations
Despite these declines, many Republicans continue to defend Trump. Greg Votel, a retired law enforcement officer from Minnesota, argued that Trump “can only do so much when you have a Congress that’s fighting him tooth and nail to preserve the Democratic Party,” and insisted that economic improvements would take more time, possibly “at least two administrations.”
Economic Policies and Real-World Impact
Americans cite high inflation, the ongoing war in Iran, elevated gas prices, and Trump administration tariff policies as key factors affecting their financial decisions. More than three-quarters say gas prices are straining their budgets, and 45% do not plan to take a summer vacation, with cost being the main reason for many.
Conclusion
As economic anxieties persist and approval ratings hit new lows, President Trump faces mounting pressure from both the public and within his own party. The latest polling underscores a growing sense of impatience and disappointment over his economic promises and policies, raising questions about his ability to regain support ahead of the midterm elections.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/18/nx-s1-5861720/trump-economy-gas-prices-midterms-polling