Trump's Economic Approval Hits Record Low as Voters Blame His Policies

Key points

• The AP-NORC poll, conducted Sept. 24-28 with 2,140 adults, found only 26% approve of Trump's handling of the economy, matching Biden's low of 28% in June 2022.
• 65% of respondents blame Trump's policies for high prices, a sharp contrast to the 44% who blamed Biden in 2022, though 67% of Republicans still blame external factors.
• Approval for trade negotiations dropped to 30%, and 64% say he has 'gone too far' on tariffs, up from 58% in January.
• 69% of Americans say the war with Iran has not been worth fighting, with only 28% approving of his handling of the conflict.
• Despite the economic dissatisfaction, 50% of Americans approve of Trump's performance on border security, his strongest area.

Background

Recent polls in September 2026 have consistently shown a downward trend in Trump's approval ratings, with the NBC News poll in late September showing 41% approval and 55% blaming his policies for economic strain. Earlier polls in August and September also highlighted growing voter frustration with the cost of living and the Iran conflict, setting the stage for the current low-water mark in economic approval.

How outlets are covering it

The AP-NORC poll provides the baseline data, showing a historic low in economic approval. Axios emphasizes the contrast with Biden's 2022 ratings, noting that while the economy is not as weak as during the pandemic, voters feel the pain of high prices. The New York Times opinion piece by Thomas B. Edsall argues that Trump's 'luck is running out' as the midterm elections approach, citing a Reuters/Ipsos poll where disapproval is twice the approval. Yahoo's coverage focuses on the current approval rating, reflecting the broader trend of declining support. All sources agree on the severity of the economic dissatisfaction, but differ in their emphasis on the causes, with AP-NORC highlighting the blame on Trump's policies, Axios noting the economic reality, and the NYT focusing on the political consequences.

Why it matters

The low economic approval rating signals a significant challenge for Trump and the Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections. With 33 days until the vote, the focus on affordability and the impact of tariffs and the Iran war could shape the outcome. The contrast with Biden's 2022 ratings highlights the political risk of being blamed for economic struggles, even when external factors are at play.

What to watch

The midterm elections are 33 days away, and the focus will be on how voters translate their economic dissatisfaction into votes. The White House has not responded to the poll, but the political implications are clear. The next few weeks will likely see increased campaigning on economic issues, with both parties vying for the support of independent and Republican voters who are frustrated with the cost of living.