WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent AP-NORC poll indicates that President Donald Trump's approval ratings on key issues, especially the economy and immigration, have seen a significant decline since March. With preparations underway for the 2026 midterms, these issues, once considered strengths, may now serve as electoral liabilities for the president.
According to the poll, only 31% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's handling of the economy, marking a drop from 40% just months prior and representing the lowest approval rating he's recorded in either of his terms. Additionally, only 38% of respondents expressed approval of his immigration policies, down from 49% in March.
This downward trend raises concerns as Trump, who has become the face of the Republican Party, confronts rising dissatisfaction among his supporters. Although his overall job approval stands at 36%, down from 42% in March, many still hesitate to label his presidency as a failure.
The poll highlights a troubling pattern for Trump — approval among Republicans regarding his economic management has also dropped significantly, with 69% now approving, down from 78% earlier this year. In contrast, a significant portion of Americans, around 68%, believe the economy remains in a poor state, revealing widespread discontent with the current financial climate.
Interestingly, while Trump's approval ratings on immigration have dipped, his ratings on border security remain comparatively stronger, with 50% approval. This discrepancy could be influenced by broader public sentiment that prioritizes border security over comprehensive immigration reform.
As Trump navigates these challenging approval ratings, the financial landscape and public perception may play pivotal roles in shaping his party's strategy for the impending midterms.
