Half of U.S. adult citizens say their opinion of President Donald Trump has worsened since he began his second term in January, according to a new YouGov poll released Monday.
Why It Matters
Trump has consistently pointed to strong approval ratings at campaign rallies and press events, but the new data suggests a significant erosion in support that could impact his political momentum as the 2026 midterm elections draw closer. With Democrats aiming to regain control of Congress, slipping approval could prove consequential in key swing districts.
The president entered office in January with relatively strong approval. But several months of economic uncertainty, controversy surrounding his immigration policies, and criticism of his recently passed tax bill appear to have dented public confidence.
What the Poll Shows
The YouGov survey, conducted from July 9 to 13 among 2,104 U.S. adults, found:
- 50% said their opinion of Trump has worsened since January
- 22% said their opinion improved
- 24% said their view hasn’t changed
- 4% were unsure
His current job approval rating stands at 39%, while 56% disapprove.
Notably, 16% of 2024 Trump voters say their view of the president has declined, along with 54% of independents—a potentially troubling sign for Trump’s reelection coalition.
The poll carries a margin of error of ±2.8%.
Public Sentiment Over Time
A previous YouGov survey conducted in late April showed Trump with a slightly stronger 42% approval rating and 52% disapproval. While support has dipped overall, some gains have been recorded recently among millennial and baby boomer voters.
Despite recent setbacks, Trump still polls strongest on issues such as national security, border control, and immigration, according to the latest survey.
Expert and Public Reactions
Robert Y. Shapiro, professor of political science at Columbia University, told Newsweek the data likely reflects a cumulative response to Trump’s recent actions and statements:
“I would attribute this to the accumulation of things Trump has said and done—net of the bad news to good news people have perceived about his performance. But this mostly reflects existing partisan bias. Those who’ve disapproved of him continue to do so.”
Jessica Tarlov, co-host on Fox News, commented in March:
“Donald Trump’s approval ratings are underwater across the board. Americans don’t support how he’s handling the economy, the federal workforce, foreign policy, or trade. Which is basically everything a president does.”
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, struck a different tone in June:
“President Trump has a positive net approval rating, and no other issue contributes to his popularity more than immigration… He knows what he’s doing is resonating with the electorate.”
What’s Next
With the 2026 midterms looming, analysts expect Trump’s approval ratings to remain volatile, influenced by developments in the economy, ongoing debates over tariffs, and U.S. foreign policy. While current polling suggests headwinds, improvements are still possible—particularly if inflation eases or international crises de-escalate.
Both parties will be watching closely to see whether Trump can stabilize his standing with independents and swing voters, or if public dissatisfaction continues to mount.
