Recent national polling data indicates a significant drop in public approval for President Donald Trump’s handling of the U.S. economy, coinciding with growing voter concern over inflation and the cost of living. An Associated Press-NORC poll, conducted in early December, reveals that only 31% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s economic performance, marking the lowest approval he has registered on the issue in AP-NORC polling since taking office. This is a noticeable decline from 40% approval in March 2025.
The widespread sentiment appears to be one of economic unease. A massive 68% of U.S. adults continue to describe the country’s economy as “poor,” a view that has remained consistently negative and is broadly in line with public perception throughout the previous administration. Notably, the discontent is not limited to opposition voters; approval among Republicans for Trump’s economic management has also slipped, falling from 78% in March to 69% in the December poll. A separate Politico/Public First poll found that a substantial plurality of 2024 Trump voters (37%) believe the cost of living is the worst they can recall, and almost one in five (18%) believe the President is entirely responsible for the current economic state.
The prevailing issue driving this disapproval is the soaring cost of essential goods. Polling suggests that a majority of Americans are now spending more on groceries and utilities than they were a year ago. A Fox News poll from November 2025 indicated that 76% of voters view the economy negatively. Furthermore, a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that 62% of Americans disapproved of Trump’s economic performance.
While the White House has launched an “affordability tour” and attributed the economic woes to the previous administration’s policies, many analysts suggest that the President’s tariff policies—which one poll indicated 65% of people disapprove of—are perceived as contributing to rising costs. The dissonance between the White House’s positive economic messaging and the grim reality faced by consumers struggling with high prices for food, housing, and healthcare is proving to be a political liability. Though Trump’s overall job approval has not fallen as steeply as his economic rating, the sustained public pessimism on the issue suggests that the economy, once a core strength, is now a major vulnerability for the Republican party heading into future elections.
Sources and Links
- Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research: Trump’s handling of the economy is at its lowest point in AP-NORC polling
- Fox News Poll: Voters say White House is doing more harm than good on economy
- MS Now (citing Fox News Poll): Fox News poll finds Trump’s approval rating on the economy is underwater
- Washington Post: How voters really feel about affordability
- Gallup News: Trump’s Approval Rating Drops to 36%, New Second-Term Low
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