- AP-NORC poll shows Trump's economic approval at a record low 31 percent, a nine-point drop since March.
- Economic pain—higher inflation, low payroll growth, slower GDP—drives voter discontent and harms midterm prospects.
In a stunning blow to President Donald Trump’s image as a master of the economy, a fresh poll has delivered some of the harshest numbers yet for his second term in office.
With inflation biting hard and growth sputtering, it’s no wonder voters are turning sour.
But just how bad is it? Let’s dive into the details from this eye-opening survey.
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The Shocking Poll Numbers: A Nine-Point Dive
According to the latest AP-NORC poll released on Thursday, only 31 percent of Americans approve of how Trump is handling the economy.
That’s not just low—it’s the worst rating he’s ever seen on this front during either of his presidencies.
Back in March, that number was a more respectable 40 percent, meaning we’ve witnessed a nine-point nosedive in just a few months.
And it’s not just the economy taking a hit. The same poll shows approval for Trump’s approach to crime has slipped from 53 percent to 43 percent.
On immigration—one of his cornerstone issues—the drop is even steeper, falling from 49 percent to 38 percent.
Overall, Trump’s job approval sits at a dismal 36 percent, just two points shy of his all-time low from early 2021, right after the January 6 Capitol riot.
These figures come at a precarious time, as the White House ramps up rallies aimed at calming fears over skyrocketing prices.
But if the polls are any indication, those efforts might be falling flat.
Behind the Numbers: A Faltering Economy Fuels Discontent
Why the sudden shift? Look no further than the hard economic data that’s been piling up all year.
GDP growth, which clocked in at 2.8 percent in 2024, is now forecasted to limp to just 1.6 percent by year’s end.
Economists are pointing fingers at Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, which have sparked trade tensions with countries around the world.
Job creation isn’t faring much better. Payroll growth has hit historic lows, and the national unemployment rate is hovering around 4.3 percent.
Then there’s inflation, stubbornly stuck at 3 percent year-over-year, hammering everyday folks with higher costs for groceries, energy, and utilities.
Lower- and middle-income families are feeling the pinch the most, turning what was once a strength for Trump into a glaring weakness.
Recent surveys paint an even grimmer picture of public sentiment. Nearly half of Americans say this cost-of-living crisis is the worst they’ve ever experienced.
And about 46 percent of voters lay the blame squarely at the president’s feet, attributing it to his policies.
Voter Fallout: Midterms Loom Large
This economic gloom isn’t staying confined to approval ratings—it’s spilling over into the political arena.
With midterm elections less than 11 months away, a November NBC poll shows Democrats leading by eight points in the battle for control of the House and Senate.
That’s the biggest edge for either party since 2018, signaling potential trouble for Republicans if things don’t turn around fast.
It’s worth pondering: Could this be the tipping point where Trump’s “Make America Great Again” mantra starts to lose its luster?
Voters seem to be signaling that the reality on the ground doesn’t match the rhetoric.
Trump’s Response: Dismissing It as a ‘Hoax’
Faced with these brutal stats, Trump hasn’t backed down.
Instead, he’s doubled down on his narrative. On Truth Social, he blasted the results as “Fake Polls” that ignore the “great job” he’s doing.
At a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this week, he went further, calling poor economic indicators a Democratic Party “hoax.”
In a moment that raised eyebrows, he even advised parents struggling with costs to “just buy their kids fewer presents this Christmas.”
The White House has been contacted for further comment, but as of now, the president’s strategy seems to be one of deflection rather than direct confrontation with the issues.
What This Means for the Road Ahead
As we head into the holiday season and beyond, these poll numbers serve as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in politics.
Trump’s first term was buoyed by a strong economy, but this go-around feels different.
With tariffs, inflation, and sluggish growth dominating headlines, the question is whether he can engineer a comeback before the midterms—or if this downward spiral will define his legacy.
Stay tuned; in Washington, things can change in a heartbeat.
But for now, the numbers don’t lie, and they’re painting a tough picture for the commander-in-chief.
Also Read: Trump Aides Now Want President to Stop Blaming Biden for His Own Mess
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