Trump's Approval Ratings Plummet Ahead of Midterms: A Closer Look

Trump's Declining Approval Ratings

Currently, a troubling figure looms over the White House briefings: Donald Trump's job approval rating stands at 36% as of February 2026, marking the lowest point of his presidency across both terms, according to a recent CNN poll. To provide context, when Trump last spoke to Congress in early 2025, his approval was at a high of 48%. Since then, he has seen a decline across nearly all demographic groups in the United States. Over the past year, his approval has dropped by twelve points, and the downward trend shows no signs of reversing.

Breaking down the numbers reveals a more alarming picture. Among independent voters, who play a crucial role in elections, Trump's approval has plummeted to just 26%, a significant fifteen-point drop in one year. His ratings among Latino Americans have decreased by nineteen points, and among those under 45, the decline is eighteen points. Even within his Republican base, approval has fallen from 64% to 49%, marking the first time it has dipped below fifty percent during this term.

According to the latest CNN/SSRS poll, only 32% of Americans believe Trump has prioritized the right issues, his lowest rating on this question throughout his presidency.

Economic Concerns Take Center Stage

The Economist has been monitoring Trump's approval ratings state-by-state using YouGov data, revealing troubling trends for Republican strategists as they approach the midterm elections. States that supported Trump in 2024 are now expressing dissatisfaction. While white male voters remain among his strongest supporters, college graduates, younger voters, and ethnic minorities are showing less enthusiasm. Alarmingly, even pension-age voters, traditionally a reliable Republican demographic, are expressing discontent.

When asked about the most pressing issue for Trump to address in his State of the Union, Americans overwhelmingly pointed to the economy and cost of living, with 57% selecting it—far more than any other topic. Among Republicans, this figure rises to 65%, and 56% of independents agree. This shared anxiety about economic conditions unites voters across the spectrum.

A Republican from New Mexico articulated the sentiment well: "People elected Trump because they were struggling under Biden. They expected him to alleviate their suffering, but grocery prices are skyrocketing, and everything is becoming unaffordable."

Interestingly, Trump's net approval on economic issues has improved slightly, moving from -34 in October to -24 by early 2026, according to Economist/YouGov tracking. However, a rating of -24 is still concerning. The recent Supreme Court ruling against Trump's tariffs on nearly all US trading partners has further complicated matters, stripping away a key economic strategy. The administration is now banking on tax cuts and substantial refund checks post-April to shift public sentiment, but economists warn that these measures could exacerbate inflation, which remains the top concern for voters.

According to the latest CNN/SSRS poll, 61% of Americans believe Trump's policies are steering the country in the wrong direction, and 68% feel he has not adequately addressed the nation's most pressing issues.

The Human Impact of Policy Changes

One poignant example of the human cost of recent policies is Cameron Hilaker, who lost his job as an emergency manager at USAID while his wife was six months pregnant. Now a stay-at-home dad, Hilaker expresses frustration over the impact of Trump's administration on his life and career, stating, "They promised to streamline the federal government but ended up ruining many lives, including mine."

As of 2026, the federal government has approximately 212,000 fewer employees, representing about 9% of the civilian workforce. The hardest-hit agencies include Defense, Treasury, and Agriculture. Many layoffs faced legal challenges, but the disruption has led to financial hardships for many families.

Immigration Issues Emerge

Even on immigration, a cornerstone of Trump's platform, there are signs of discontent. Federal agents were involved in the deaths of two American citizens during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis, an incident that has drawn significant media attention and criticism. Meanwhile, Democrats are blocking funding for the Department of Homeland Security, raising the specter of a partial government shutdown.

While immigration remains a key issue for the Republican base, enthusiasm is waning. Voters are increasingly concerned about the safety of American citizens in enforcement operations.

Trump's Foreign Policy Achievements

Trump's foreign policy achievements during his second term are notable, with significant events such as a ceasefire in Gaza, military actions against Iranian nuclear sites, and the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro. However, many of these agreements appear fragile, with experts suggesting that Trump's chaotic approach may lead to temporary outcomes rather than lasting solutions.

As the midterm elections approach, Trump's approval ratings are concerning for Republican strategists. With a national approval of 36% and just 26% among independents, the party faces challenges. Approval among Republicans has also dipped below 50% for the first time this term. Trump's ambition to be a global leader may be overshadowing the domestic issues that voters care about most. As Americans focus on their financial struggles, they are left waiting for meaningful change.