Pew Data Shows Trump Approval Hits 30% as Economic Confidence Plummets
A new Pew Research Center survey reveals that President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 30%, with 68% of Americans disapproving of his performance. The decline is most severe among his 2024 base, where approval dropped from 95% to 67%. Confidence in his handling of the economy, foreign policy, and immigration has also dropped significantly, with 69% of Americans expressing little confidence that he separates business interests from presidential decisions.
Key points
- Trump’s overall approval rating is 30%, comparable to the lowest point of his first term, while disapproval stands at 68%.
- Among his 2024 voters, approval has dropped from 95% to 67%, with the steepest declines seen among Hispanic and younger supporters.
- Confidence in Trump’s economic decision-making fell to 35%, down 10 points since April 2025, while confidence in his foreign policy and immigration handling also decreased.
- 69% of Americans lack confidence that Trump keeps his business interests separate from his presidential duties, a sentiment shared by 78% of Democrats.
- The survey indicates that 21% of Americans have confidence in Trump’s ability to bring the country together, down from 33% at the start of his term.
Background
Recent archive coverage from October 7, 2026, noted that Trump’s approval ratings had reached record lows ahead of the midterms, with significant drops among Hispanic voters and independents. Earlier reports from September 2026 highlighted that economic pain, including high gas prices and tariff fallout, was driving much of the dissatisfaction, prompting Republicans to distance themselves from the president. The current Pew data confirms these trends, showing a continued erosion of support across key demographic groups.
Why it matters
The sharp decline in approval and confidence ratings signals a major shift in public sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The loss of support among Trump’s own base, particularly Hispanic and younger voters, suggests potential vulnerabilities for the Republican party. Additionally, the widespread lack of confidence in Trump’s ability to separate business interests from governance raises questions about the integrity of his administration and may influence voter behavior in upcoming elections.
What to watch
The 2026 midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026. The current polling data suggests that Democrats may have an advantage in congressional races, though the margin has narrowed compared to 2018. The coming weeks will likely see increased campaign spending and debate over economic policies as the election approaches.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Pew Research Center