President Donald Trum’s approval rating is negative on almost every policy issue, a new poll has indicated.
According to polling conducted by Verasight U.S. for Strength In Numbers, Americans disapprove of the president’s handling of all policy areas they were asked about, except border security.
Why It Matters
Tracking Trump’s approval rating is useful in charting the changing tides of public opinion. A sustained backlash to Trump’s policies could persuade him to change course or risk losing political clout. This will be particularly important when voters head to the polls in the November 2026 midterms.
What To Know
According to the new poll, 40 percent of people approve of Trump’s handling of the presidency while 56 percent disapprove.
In terms of specific policy areas, he has a net-32 point rating on prices and inflation and a17-point net rating on jobs and the economy.
He scored -16 on foreign policy and -15 on education.
It is only border security where Trump has a net positive approval rating. 52 percent approve of his border security record and 42 percent disapprove.
On a similar issue, immigration, Trump’s disapproval rating is less stark, though it is still net negative. 49 percent disapprove of his immigration policy while 47 percent approve.
The poll was conducted between May 1 and May 6 among 1,000 adults. It has a margin of error of 3.2 percent.
The findings align with other recent surveys showing a drop in Trump’s approval. A Navigator Research poll conducted April 24-28 found that Trump’s net approval on the economy had dropped to -16, with just 40 percent approving and 56 percent disapproving.
Meanwhile, according to a TIPP Insights poll conducted between April 30 and May 2 among 1,400 adults, Trump’s approval rating among conservative voters has dropped from 77 percent in early April to 72 percent.
Other polls, however, have been more favorable. A Quantus Insights poll sponsored by Trending Politics News, a right-leaning outlet, showed 48.2 percent of people approve of Trump while 48.3 percent disapprove, showing a statistical tie.
Meanwhile, a May 5 poll Big Data poll found that 48 percent approve of Trump, while 47.4 percent disapprove, yielding a net approval rating of +0.6, percent.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump previously said a poll had shown he had the “best poll numbers, ever” in a post on Truth Social. “TRUMP’S BEST POLL NUMBERS, EVER. THANK YOU!” he wrote, though did not reveal the poll he was referring to.
Speaking to Newsweek, Scott Lucas, a professor in international politics at University College Dublin, previously cautioned against reading too much into any one poll. “Opinion polls have their own biases,” he said.
What Happens Next
Trump’s approval rating will likely continue to fluctuate depending on his policies, the economy and other key issues that are important to voters. Any sustained negative polling could affect the Republicans in the midterm elections in November 2026. (Newsweek)