President Donald Trump’s approval rating has seen a notable uptick among white voters.
Polling from The Economist/YouGov shows support from white voters rising by 8 percentage points after previously declining, giving Trump a positive net approval rating within this key demographic.
Why It Matters
White voters remain a cornerstone of Trump’s base. The Associated Press reports that over 80% of Trump’s 2024 supporters were white. Data from Pew Research Center indicates that 55% of white voters backed Trump in both the 2020 and 2024 elections, with 54% supporting him in 2016.
Maintaining this support will be crucial for the Republican Party as voters prepare for the 2026 midterm elections.
What the Polls Show
Trump’s net approval among white voters has jumped from a July low of -2 percentage points—when 47% approved and 49% disapproved—to +6 points in September. In the latest survey, 51% of white voters said they approved of Trump, while 45% disapproved.
Support has shifted differently across other groups. For instance, backing among rural voters has declined. National polling also suggests broader skepticism toward the president.
Recent YouGov polling for The Times showed disapproval rising from 52% in April to 57% in July. Additionally, a Quinnipiac poll last month revealed a 37% approval rating versus a 55% disapproval, marking a new low for that survey.
Expert Perspective
William F. Hall, adjunct professor of political science and business at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, told Newsweek that the approval shift “may reflect factors not immediately obvious.”
He added that this swing among white voters could indicate “a deeper trend toward increasing divisiveness and racial polarization within our population, which warrants attention.”
Looking Ahead
Trump’s standing among various demographics will likely continue to fluctuate throughout his presidency, with the 2026 midterm elections serving as a critical test of his support.
