Former President Donald Trump holds a net approval rating of -28 among voters earning under $50,000 a year, with just 34 percent approving and 62 percent disapproving of his performance, according to The Economist/YouGov.
His particularly poor standing with lower-income voters appears tied to a growing perception that his economic promises have not delivered meaningful relief from rising day-to-day expenses.
Across all voters, 38 percent approve of the job he is doing, while 57 percent disapprove.
Voter Concern Over Affordability
Political observers note that lower-income voters tend to prioritize concrete affordability issues over broader economic indicators.
Mark Shanahan, a professor of American politics at the University of Surrey in the U.K., said that many Americans feel squeezed despite upbeat economic rhetoric. He pointed to steadily rising grocery bills and soaring health care premiums, saying Trump’s repeated claims that he will bring down the cost of living have not been matched by results.
Eroding support among these voters could pose a serious problem for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections, particularly in competitive districts where margins are tight.
Shanahan also criticized Trump’s approach to the presidency, arguing that he devotes significant time to golf outings and photo opportunities while enjoying personal financial benefits from ventures ranging from cryptocurrency deals to high-profile legal battles with foreign media companies.
If this trend continues, the decline in support among lower-income voters could weaken Republican leverage in key battleground areas heading into 2026.
