Trump's economic approval nosedives, reaches historic low in survey

A latest CNBC All-America Economic Survey has revealed that US President Donald Trump’s economic approval rating has slumped to lowestthe  of his presidential career, owing to his tariff policy, inflation and government spending.

The results of the survey showed the optimism associated with the new administration is fast vanishing, with people feeling anxious about economy and job security.

Results of the survey

The survey of 1,000 Americans showed a record 51 per cent of respondents disapproved of Trump’s handling of presidency, with just 44 per cent approving. On the economic front, 55 per cent of respondents said they didn’t approve of Trump’s radical policies, with 43 per cent saying they did.

It’s the first time that a CNBC poll has shown Trump’s approval ratings in net negative.

Support for Donald Trump among his Republican base continues to hold strong, particularly on economic issues.

However, the broader picture shows growing dissatisfaction.

Democrats now register a net economic approval of negative 90 — about 30 points more negative than during Trump’s first term.

Independents, too, have shifted, with a 23-point drop in economic approval compared to his previous presidency.

Even among blue-collar workers, a core constituency that played a key role in Trump’s 2024 win, there’s a notable shift. While many still view his economic leadership positively, disapproval among them has climbed by 14 points, signalling rising concern even within his traditional base.

“We’re in a turbulent, kind of maelstrom of change when it comes to how people feel about what’s going to happen next,” CNBC quoted Micah Roberts, managing partner with Public Opinion Strategies, as saying.

“The data… suggests more than ever that it’s the negative partisan reaction that’s driving and sustaining discontent and trepidation about what comes next.”

Tariffs- a big turn-off for Americans

Tariffs are emerging as a key source of public frustration. A significant portion of Americans—49 per cent versus 35—disapprove of broad-based tariffs, according to the CNBC report.

Most people see them as harmful to workers, inflation, and the economy as a whole.

Among Democrats, opposition is overwhelming, with an 83-point margin against the tariffs. Independents also lean strongly negative, opposing them by 26 points.

Even within Trump’s Republican base, while there is majority support, approval stands at a 59-point margin—noticeably lower than the 79 per cent net approval Republicans give the president overall. This suggests that while loyal, even some in his base have concerns about the economic impact of his trade policies.