Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since he returned to office, according to Newsweek’s tracker.
The tracker shows Trump’s net approval rating at -11 points, with 43 percent of Americans approving of his presidency and 54 percent disapproving. This breaks the previous low of -10 recorded on July 25 and marks a drop from -6 just a week ago.
Trump’s record-low numbers underline the growing opposition to his presidency. His approval rating—often seen as a measure of public confidence—has steadily declined this year as frustration rises over the economy, tariffs, and immigration policies.
These numbers could affect the Republican Party’s chances in the upcoming New Jersey and Virginia governor races and in the 2026 midterm elections. Historically, the president’s party often loses seats during midterms. In Trump’s first term, Democrats gained 41 House seats.
Recent polls show even sharper declines. A Quinnipiac survey put his net approval at -18, with just 37 percent approving and 55 percent disapproving. That is down from -14 last month and from positive territory in January. A SoCal Strategies poll this month also recorded his lowest rating with a net of -3, compared to +13 in January. Other surveys by Echelon Insights, YouGov/Economist, and Quinnipiac found Trump underwater on nearly every issue.
On the economy, dissatisfaction is growing. A Verasight poll reported that a third of Americans say their finances are worse than last year, and most believe Trump’s policies have hurt the economy. His new tariffs remain unpopular, with just 36 percent supporting them and 56 percent opposing. People also oppose higher prices in exchange for job protection by a wide margin.
Pollster G. Elliott Morris explained: “People may like the idea of protecting jobs, but they don’t want to pay more for goods.”
Other findings show his economic support weakening further. A YouGov/Economist poll found only 39 percent approving of his handling of jobs and the economy, compared with 54 percent disapproving. Inflation is seen as his biggest weakness: only 34 percent approve of his handling of the issue, while 61 percent disapprove. Inflation has stayed at 2.7 percent in June and July, while job growth has slowed, with only 73,000 new jobs added in July.
Trump’s recent plan to deploy federal troops to Washington, D.C., has also sparked debate. He said the capital was being overrun by gangs, “roving mobs of wild youth,” and other threats. Critics argue this move violates constitutional principles and sets a dangerous precedent, while supporters see it as a way to restore order. Trump has also suggested Chicago may be next.
Polls show mixed opinions. An AP-NORC survey found that while most Americans support the National Guard helping local police, only about one-third support direct federal control of city police departments. A Quinnipiac poll showed 56 percent opposing Trump’s D.C. deployment, while 41 percent supported it. Support remains highly partisan: most Republicans back it, while most Democrats and independents oppose it.
Internationally, Trump has taken a more aggressive approach. In the Russia–Ukraine war, he extended sanctions, sent additional missile systems, and even ordered U.S. nuclear submarines near Russian waters. He also tried to broker peace talks, which failed.
On Israel and Palestine, Trump said Israel should decide on its own whether to fully occupy Gaza. However, polls show skepticism about his leadership in both conflicts. Only 40 percent of Americans believe he can secure lasting peace in Ukraine, and a majority say they don’t trust Russia to uphold any deal.
Support for sending U.S. military aid to Israel has dropped, with 60 percent now opposed. Democrats and independents lead that opposition, while Republicans mostly support continued aid. Meanwhile, more Americans now sympathize with Palestinians (37 percent) than ever before, compared with 36 percent who side with Israelis. Half of voters believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
Quinnipiac analyst Tim Malloy summed it up: “Support for Palestinians is rising, support for funding Israel’s military is falling, and many voters are harshly judging Israel’s actions in Gaza.”
