Recent polling data reveals that President Donald Trump’s job approval rating among white voters has reached its lowest point of his second term. According to a new The Economist/YouGov survey, only 47 percent of white respondents approve of Trump's presidency, while 50 percent express disapproval. This results in a net approval rating of -3 points, indicating a concerning trend for Trump and the Republican Party as they approach the critical midterm elections.
White voters have historically formed a fundamental part of Trump's political base, often displaying the highest levels of approval for his job performance. In the upcoming 2024 elections, more than 80 percent of Trump's supporters are expected to be white, according to data from The Associated Press. Any decline in support from this demographic, which constitutes a significant portion of the voting electorate in the United States, could pose serious challenges for both Trump and the Republican Party.
The latest poll marks Trump’s lowest net approval rating among white voters since July, when it was recorded at -2 points. The earlier Economist/YouGov poll indicated that 47 percent of white voters approved of Trump's job performance, with 49 percent disapproving. Overall, Trump's approval rating has plummeted to its lowest since he resumed office in January, with only 39 percent of Americans approving, contrasted by 58 percent disapproving. This results in a net approval rating of -19 points, a record low for Trump's second term and lower than nearly all polls during his first term, as reported by YouGov Public Relations Lead Allen Houston.
According to the survey, a majority of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of critical issues such as immigration, the economy, and inflation. His net approval rating concerning jobs and the economy stands at -22, while his ratings for inflation and immigration are -31 and -10, respectively. Additionally, the poll revealed that 61 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump's decision to demolish the East Wing of the White House to construct a $300 million ballroom, with only 25 percent expressing approval. Among white voters, disapproval is even higher at 57 percent.
The survey was conducted between October 24 and 27, involving 1,623 U.S. adults, including 1,476 registered voters. The margin of error for the adult sample was ±3.4 percent, while for registered voters, it was ±3.1 percent. These results provide a comprehensive view of public sentiment toward Trump’s presidency.
Peter Loge, a professor of media and public affairs at George Washington University, commented on Trump’s net negative approval rating among white voters, stating that it reflects the same trends seen in other demographic groups. Voters across various backgrounds are increasingly concerned about inflation, the economy, and job security, and many believe Trump is mishandling these critical issues.
Grant Davis Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University, noted that the ongoing government shutdown may be contributing to the negative perceptions among voters. He explained that both direct impacts from the shutdown and frustration over fluctuating tariffs could be influencing business owners and the corporate sector. Furthermore, persistent inflation and negative media coverage regarding immigration policies and the East Wing reconstruction may also be impacting public opinion.
Despite the declining approval ratings, Trump expressed confidence in his performance, telling reporters aboard Air Force One, “I have my best numbers ever.” As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these figures will affect Trump’s strategies and the Republican Party's outlook in the upcoming elections.
