Trump's Approval Ratings Hit New Low Amid Declining Support

Recent polling data reveals a significant drop in President Trump's approval ratings, reaching a new low during his second term. The Pew Research Center survey indicates that only 34% of Americans approve of his performance, reflecting a broader decline in confidence regarding his personal traits and decision-making. Notably, support has weakened among younger voters and Hispanic supporters, raising concerns about voter enthusiasm ahead of upcoming elections. Despite these findings, Trump has dismissed negative interpretations of the polling, asserting that he would win in a landslide if he were on the ballot. This article delves into the details of the survey and its implications for Trump's political future.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 3, 2026, 01:52 IST

Trump's Approval Ratings Decline

According to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, US President Donald Trump's job approval rating has dropped to its lowest point during his second term. The poll, which surveyed 5,103 US adults between April 20 and 26, revealed that only 34% of respondents approve of Trump's performance. This survey was conducted both online and via telephone, utilizing Pew's nationally representative American Trends Panel, with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.6 percentage points. The results indicate a significant decline in support, extending beyond general approval, as voters show diminishing confidence in Trump's personal attributes and decision-making abilities. Notably, most interviews were completed prior to the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 25.

Erosion of Personal Traits Approval

Declining Ratings on Personal Traits

The survey highlights a noticeable decline in Americans' perceptions of Trump's personal qualities over recent months. Only 38% of participants believe he "keeps his promises," a decrease from 43% in August 2025 and 51% shortly after the 2024 election. Additionally, 44% described him as "mentally sharp," which is a four-point drop since last August. While 64% of respondents stated that Trump stands up for his beliefs, this figure has also decreased from 68% last summer. Public trust in the President's management of key policy areas has similarly diminished. Only 41% expressed confidence in his immigration decisions, down from 46% in August and 53% shortly after his re-election. Trust in his military decisions has seen a sharper decline, with only 38% expressing confidence, compared to 46% last summer. Views on economic management remained relatively stable, with 42% expressing confidence, a slight drop from 44% in August.

Declining Support Among Republican Voters

This decline in approval is not confined to opposition voters. Among Republicans and those leaning towards the party, 68% approve of Trump's performance, a decrease from 73% in January. Furthermore, 70% of Republicans believe he keeps his promises, which is a six-point drop from the previous year and a 14-point decline since November 2024. Trust in his military decisions among Republicans has decreased by 11 points over the past year, while overall confidence in his foreign policy has dropped by seven points. In contrast, Democratic opposition remains largely unchanged, with only 5% approving of his performance.

Weakening Support from Trump's Base

Signs of Weakening Within Own Voter Base

Support has also waned among those who voted for Trump in 2024, with approval among this group now at 78%, down from 83% in January and 95% at the beginning of his term. The decline is particularly evident among younger voters and Hispanic supporters. Among Trump voters under 35, only 57% approve of his performance, compared to 87% among those aged 50 and older. Approval among Hispanic Trump voters has plummeted by 27 points since early 2025, now standing at 66%, while approval among White Trump voters has decreased by 14 points. Among Americans who did not vote in 2024, only 26% now approve of the President, down from 30% in January and 45% in early 2025. These findings emerge as Trump navigates a politically charged environment, raising concerns about voter enthusiasm and turnout for upcoming elections.

Trump's Response to Polling

Despite the negative polling interpretations, Trump has dismissed these findings. In a recent interview with a media outlet, he stated, "It is a problem I'm not on the ballot. Everyone says if I was on a ballot we'd win in a landslide. I have some of the best poll numbers I've ever had." White House spokesman Davis Ingle defended the administration's record, asserting, "The ultimate poll was November 5th, 2024, when nearly 80 million Americans overwhelmingly elected President Trump to deliver on his popular and commonsense agenda. No other President in history has accomplished more for the American people than President Trump, who is working tirelessly to create jobs, cool inflation, increase housing affordability, and more. The President has already made historic progress not only in America but around the world, and this is just the beginning as his agenda continues taking effect."