Trump’s economic approval rating hits new low, poll finds
PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-06-18 04:00:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Faces Record-Low Economic Approval Amid Rising Costs and Public Discontent
President Donald Trump is facing his lowest-ever approval rating on the economy, according to a new PBS News/NPR/Marist poll. Only 33% of Americans approve of the way Trump is handling the economy, a sharp decline on an issue long considered one of his political strengths. Sixty percent of Americans now disapprove of his economic approach, marking the lowest approval since Marist began tracking the question in 2019.
Economic Anxiety and Shifting Support
Economic anxieties, particularly around high gas and food prices, were a key factor in Trump’s return to office. While 77% of those who voted for Trump in 2024 still approve of his economic handling, some groups that previously supported him are expressing dissatisfaction. Notably, 54% of white voters without a college degree—once a stronghold for Trump—now disapprove of his economic performance.
Gas Prices and Household Budgets
High gas prices appear to be a major source of discontent. Seventy-eight percent of Americans say gas prices have affected their household budgets. Although gas prices have dropped about 50 cents per gallon from last month, they remain nearly 80 cents higher than a year ago, with much of the country still paying over $4 per gallon. The poll found that 22% of Americans do not feel a strain from gas prices, a slight increase from May.
Trump’s Approval Drops Below Predecessor’s Lowest Point
Trump’s current economic approval rating is not only his personal low but also lower than any point experienced by his predecessor during his single term. In December 2020, just before Trump left office, half of Americans approved of his economic management. Now, the public is increasingly associating affordability challenges—such as high prices at the pump and supermarket—with Trump’s presidency.
Public Perception and Media Influence
The poll suggests that Americans’ negative views on gas prices are being reinforced by both traditional and social media. Some voters who previously blamed high gas prices on Trump’s predecessor now attribute the problem to corporate price gouging, but Trump is still facing the political consequences.
Overall Approval Continues to Decline
Trump’s overall approval rating has continued its downward trend since March 2025, with just 36% of adults approving of his job performance. This is the lowest approval rating he has seen during his second term. Among independent voters, 64% disapprove or strongly disapprove, and 18% of Republicans share that sentiment.
Conclusion: Trump’s Economic Record Under Scrutiny
The latest polling data underscores a significant shift in public opinion regarding Trump’s economic leadership. Once considered a pillar of his political appeal, Trump’s handling of the economy is now drawing record-low approval, with many Americans directly linking rising costs and economic strain to his presidency. As economic concerns persist, Trump faces mounting challenges in regaining public trust on this critical issue.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trumps-economic-approval-rating-hits-new-low-poll-finds