Former President Donald Trump is facing a significant dip in public approval, with recent polls showing his lowest ratings since the beginning of his political career.
The drop comes as Trump navigates a complex political environment in the run-up to the 2024 election fallout and mounting scrutiny over recent controversies, including national security blunders and economic uncertainty.
Approval Ratings Hit Record Low
According to a new Associated Press-NORC poll, Trump’s net approval rating has plunged to -14 percentage points. The survey reveals a sharp decrease in public support, especially on key issues like economic management and foreign policy.
Similarly, a Harvard CAPS/Harris poll showed that approval among registered voters has declined from 52% to 49% within a matter of weeks. While the drop may seem modest, pollsters note that such a shift is statistically significant and reflects growing voter dissatisfaction.
Economy and Trade Policy Fuel Discontent
Trump’s handling of the economy—once considered his strongest area—has become a major source of disapproval. A Newsweek analysis reports that fewer Americans now trust Trump to steer the U.S. economy effectively.
The economic anxiety is fueled by ongoing concerns about inflation, job insecurity, and trade policies that some voters say prioritize political optics over results. Critics have pointed to volatile stock market trends and uncertain trade negotiations with China as factors undermining public confidence.
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis recently reported a slowdown in GDP growth, which analysts link partially to regulatory rollbacks and unpredictable foreign policy shifts under Trump’s influence.
‘Chatgate’ Scandal Deepens Trust Issues
Another blow to Trump’s approval came in the form of the so-called “Chatgate” scandal, first reported by The Atlantic and later confirmed by the National Security Council.
The controversy revolves around the accidental inclusion of journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a secure Signal group chat that allegedly contained sensitive military plans for airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
While Trump has denied direct involvement and labeled the reports as “fake news,” national security experts and lawmakers have raised concerns over the administration’s internal communication protocols. The incident has intensified bipartisan criticism and raised questions about operational transparency.
Demographic Trends: Pockets of Support Remain
Despite the overall decline, Trump continues to enjoy strong support among certain demographic groups. A Gallup poll highlights that approval remains high among Republicans, conservatives, and male voters.
Interestingly, the poll also indicates a slight uptick in support among Hispanic, Black, and young adult voters compared to his first term. Though these groups still largely lean Democratic, the gains suggest Trump’s outreach efforts have not gone unnoticed.
2024 Fallout and the Road Ahead
As Trump continues to wield significant influence within the Republican Party, the implications of his declining approval could shape the party’s strategy moving into 2026 and beyond.
Analysts argue that while Trump’s base remains loyal, wavering support among independents and moderates could pose challenges in future elections.
Political analyst John Zogby noted, “Approval ratings like this don’t just hurt Trump—they affect down-ballot races and the overall public trust in conservative leadership.”
Final Thoughts
Donald Trump’s latest approval rating slump underscores the shifting political landscape in the United States. Economic anxiety, national security controversies, and an increasingly critical media environment appear to be influencing public sentiment.
As Trump continues to defend his legacy and maintain his role in shaping Republican strategy, how he responds to these setbacks could determine the future of his political viability.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
