President Trump’s Approval Rating Hits New Low Amid Economic Concerns
As economic worries grip the nation, President Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to 36%, marking a new low according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll. This decline reflects growing dissatisfaction among Americans with the current economic conditions.
SCOTT SIMON, HOST: President Trump is receiving low approval ratings from the American populace, many of whom express continued anxiety over the economy. According to the newest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll, Mr. Trump’s approval rating is at 36%, the lowest during both his terms since 2017. NPR political reporter Elena Moore has gathered insights from poll respondents on their sentiments.
ELENA MOORE, BYLINE: Regina Kulenga, a 36-year-old voter from Georgia, supported Trump in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections. However, by 2026, her support has waned.
REGINA KULENGA: “Where is the relief for America? None. You know, you’re looking like, hey, is this the president that I really voted for?”
MOORE: Kulenga explains her family’s struggle with escalating gas prices and grocery costs, noting that Trump hasn’t fulfilled his promises, leaving her feeling disappointed.
KULENGA: “A lot of the things that he did promise, we’re still waiting. I was a big Trump supporter, you know, in the beginning. And then, now, we want him out the office. He’s not doing anything right now for the economy but making things a lot worse.”
MOORE: Kulenga’s sentiments resonate with many. The NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reveals that 60% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s economic management, including 22% of Republicans. Disapproval among independents stands at 65%, while 93% of Democrats express dissatisfaction.
ERICA THOMPSON: Erica Thompson, a 41-year-old Democrat from Portland, Oregon, states that despite her family’s ability to manage their finances, they still feel the pinch of rising costs. She recalls spending over a hundred dollars at the gas station multiple times this spring.
THOMPSON: “Things are not getting better for the average person. Things are only getting better for the people at the very top.”
MOORE: As a third of Americans cite gas prices as a significant burden on their budgets, over 20% have decided against summer vacations due to costs. Yet, this does not include Greg Votel, a 68-year-old Trump supporter from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, a vacation hotspot.
GREG VOTEL: “My buddy owns a resort. He’s completely full. You look at the grocery store up here, you should see the plates – Nebraska, Iowa, Dakotas, Wisconsin, Illinois. I’d say business is good.”
MOORE: While some Trump voters are losing faith, Votel remains among the majority of Republicans loyal to him.
VOTEL: “People have got so used to getting everything quickly. They expect the fix to be just as quick. It isn’t going to happen. It’s going to take some time. It’s going to probably take at least two administrations.”
MOORE: He advises those who believe in Trump to stay steadfast.
Elena Moore, NPR News.
Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary. Transcript text may be revised to correct errors or match updates to audio. Audio on npr.org may be edited after its original broadcast or publication. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
