Trump's Approval Ratings Plunge Ahead of Midterms

Sat Dec 13 2025 07:26:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent polling indicates that President Trump's approval ratings on critical issues like the economy and immigration are on a downward trajectory, raising concerns as the 2026 midterms approach.

According to an AP-NORC poll, President Trump's approval rating regarding economic management has fallen from 40% to 31% since March, marking a significant decline that could pose challenges for Republican strategies ahead of the upcoming midterms. Key issues such as immigration and crime also show decreasing approval from the public, with immigration approval dropping from 49% to 38%. Despite these drops, Trump's total job approval stands at 36%, indicating a complex political landscape among his base and the broader electorate.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Recent polling reflects a significant downturn in President Donald Trump’s approval ratings, particularly concerning the economy and immigration, crucial issues as the Republican Party gears up for the upcoming 2026 midterms elections. An AP-NORC poll reveals that only 31% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, a notable decline from 40% in March and the lowest economic approval occurred during his presidency.

Trump’s challenges are compounded by dissatisfaction related to his management of the federal government, which did not improve even after congressional Democrats capitulated to end a lengthy government shutdown. Additionally, issues that were once strengths for the president, like crime and immigration, are now trending downward in public approval.

As of now, only 43% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of crime, down from 53%, while immigration approval has also sharply decreased from 49% to 38% over the same period. The poll paints a troubling picture for Trump's re-election prospects, as the GOP must reckon with diminishing support among key voter demographics.

The situation is particularly concerning given that among Republicans, support for Trump's economic policies has also waned, with approval dropping from 78% to 69%. As the public sentiment shifts, analysts are closely monitoring Trump's strategies and policies in the buildup to the midterms.

Despite these declines, Trump's overall job approval is at 36%, down from 42% in March. This indicates a mixed perception among the electorate, revealing that while some are increasingly critical of specific issues, there remains a core group of support that may not have entirely turned against him.

Looking forward, Trump's administration is under pressure as public dissatisfaction grows, especially with handling health care and government operations. Approvals for health care management remain precariously low at about 30%, reflecting ongoing frustrations among voters over health-related issues.

With six months until the midterms, it’s clear that Trump’s presidency is at a crucial juncture, as falling approval ratings pose major challenges for his administration and the broader GOP agenda.