After months of steady decline, President Donald Trump’s approval rating with working-class voters is showing signs of stabilization—and even a slight rebound—according to new polling from YouGov and The Economist.
The July 16–18 survey found that 38% of working-class Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, while 55% disapprove, giving him a net rating of -17. That’s an improvement from June, when his net rating fell to a second-term low of -26 (33% approve, 59% disapprove). In May, Trump sat at 40% approval and 52% disapproval (net -12).
Although still underwater, July’s numbers suggest Trump may be regaining traction with a crucial voting bloc—though analysts caution the bump may be temporary.
“This uptick looks more like a rally within his base than a sign of renewed momentum,” said Democratic pollster Matt McDermott. “It’s rooted in frustration, cultural backlash, and a belief that Trump is still fighting for them. But outside that core, his coalition is thinning.”
Why It Matters
Working-class voters—especially non-college-educated white Americans—have been central to Trump’s political success, powering his victories in 2016 and 2024. While his grip on that base remains strong, recent economic strains and policy controversies are testing their loyalty.
Public Mood Still Negative
Despite Trump’s slight rebound, broader sentiment among working-class voters remains gloomy. Just 30% said the country is on the right track, while 59% believe it’s headed in the wrong direction—only a slight improvement from June’s 28%/62% split.
When asked about the economy, 43% approved of Trump’s performance in July, compared to 55% who disapproved. That’s up slightly from June but mirrors May’s results.
Only 19% said the economy is improving, while 53% said it’s getting worse—essentially unchanged from prior months.
Inflation and Personal Finances a Persistent Drag
Inflation continues to be a major concern. Annual inflation rose to 2.7% in June, up from 2.4% in May. At the same time, Americans are facing average tariffs of 18.7%—the highest in nearly a century—due to Trump’s aggressive trade policy.
Nearly half of working-class voters (47%) said they’re worse off financially than a year ago. Only 10% said they’re better off. A majority—61%—said inflation is worsening, and just 26% felt it was improving.
Immigration Gains, But Epstein Fallout Looms
One area where Trump is gaining ground is immigration. In July, 47% of working-class voters approved of his immigration policies, up from 39% in June. The shift comes as the Trump administration ramps up enforcement, expands ICE detention capacity, and secures billions in new funding for border security.
Illegal crossings have dropped to record lows, and controversial measures like the construction of the “Alligator Alcatraz” detention camp in Florida have drawn praise from parts of Trump’s base.
However, Trump faces growing skepticism over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. A strong majority—77%—of working-class voters believe all related documents should be made public, and 68% think there’s a government cover-up underway.
Only 24% approve of Trump’s handling of the Epstein investigation, while 48% disapprove—a potential political risk as the issue gains visibility.
What Comes Next
Trump’s modest rebound with working-class voters may provide a temporary boost, but with economic pessimism lingering and the Epstein controversy deepening, sustaining momentum will be a challenge heading into the 2026 midterms.
