A new YouGov poll finds that 50% of U.S. adult citizens say their view of President Donald Trump has worsened since he began his second term in January—a warning sign for the president as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Why It Matters
Trump has consistently promoted strong approval ratings during public appearances and campaign rallies. But the latest numbers suggest waning public support amid economic struggles, backlash over immigration policies, and criticism of his recently passed tax legislation.
Although he returned to office in January riding high in the polls, a steady drumbeat of controversy and policy pushback appears to be eroding his standing, especially among independents and even a segment of his own base.
The volatility in Trump’s approval ratings is shaping the political landscape ahead of 2026, when Democrats hope to retake control of Congress.
By the Numbers
In the YouGov poll conducted from July 9–13 with 2,104 adult citizens:
- 50% said their opinion of Trump has worsened
- 24% said their view is unchanged
- 22% said their opinion has improved
The survey carries a margin of error of ±2.8%.
Job approval results were similarly grim:
- 39% approve of how Trump is handling his job
- 56% disapprove
- 4% are unsure
Notably, 16% of 2024 Trump voters now say their opinion of him has worsened, as do 54% of independents—a potential red flag for GOP strategists.
Trump continues to poll strongest on issues like national security, border enforcement, and immigration, according to the survey.
Comparison with Previous Polls
In a similar YouGov poll conducted April 25–May 2, Trump held a 42% approval rating and a 52% disapproval rating—indicating a slight decline since then.
That said, Trump has recently seen modest gains in support among millennials and baby boomers in other surveys.
Expert Analysis
Columbia University political scientist Robert Y. Shapiro told Newsweek the findings reflect an accumulation of public discontent:
“People perceive more bad than good news about Trump, but this isn’t surprising—it’s largely shaped by existing biases. The 50% who say their opinion worsened aligns with the share that regularly disapproves of his job performance.”
What People Are Saying
- Jessica Tarlov, Fox News co-host, on X (formerly Twitter) in March: “Donald Trump’s approval ratings are underwater across the board… basically everything a president does.”
- Charlie Kirk, conservative commentator, on X in June: “President Trump has a positive net approval rating… immigration is helping him most. He wants a fight on immigration because it’s working with voters.”
What’s Next
With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, Trump’s approval remains volatile. Analysts expect his ratings to shift depending on economic developments, international affairs, and new legislative efforts.
While his core base remains loyal, swing voters and independents appear to be moving away—raising questions about how his coalition will hold up in competitive districts.
A potential rebound is still possible if the economy stabilizes or if foreign policy wins shift public sentiment. Until then, both parties will be watching the numbers closely.
