Voters are growing more downbeat about the economy and President Trump’s performance on major issues.
| PULSE POINTS |
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Polling by Fox News shows public sentiment on President Donald J. Trump’s economy is souring, with 77 percent of voters now describing the economy as being in bad shape, up from 73 percent last month and 71 percent a year ago. Only 23 percent view it positively, the lowest share in more than a year. Trump’s overall economic approval rating now sits at 29 percent, down from 34 percent in April. Inflation is his weakest area, with approval at only 24 percent—a drop from 35 percent in January. Even Republicans give Trump’s economic performance majority disapproval, at 51 percent, while among independents and Democrats, disapproval stands at 85 percent and 96 percent, respectively. 📰 DETAIL: Cost of living remains voters’ dominant economic concern, cited by 58 percent as their top worry—an increase from 50 percent in February. The poll indicates a significant decline in support among several of Trump’s key demographics, including non-MAGA Republicans, white voters, and rural voters. Disapproval of Trump’s economic management has risen, with 71 percent expressing dissatisfaction, up from 66 percent the previous month and 56 percent a year earlier, driven by a seven-point rise in disapproval among Republicans. There is a significant split inside the Republican coalition, with non-MAGA Republicans giving Trump’s economic performance just 36 percent approval—closer to independents’ rating of 18 percent than to MAGA Republicans’ 74 percent. 💬 KEY QUOTE: “Make no mistake; it’s all about affordability. Independents jumped ship in 2025, and now non-MAGA Republicans and other core constituencies are wavering.” – Republican pollster Daron Shaw. 🎯 IMPACT: The decline in approval ratings could diminish Trump’s influence within the Republican Party and his ability to rally support for future economic initiatives in Congress, especially as the November midterms grow nearer. 📈 DATA: The survey, conducted from May 15-18, included 1,002 registered voters, with a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points. |
🇺🇸 NATIONAL POLL By Fox News (A)
Approve: 39% (-3)
Disapprove: 61% (+3)Lowest approval in either term
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Trump’s net approval on key issues🔴 Inflation: -52 (new low)
🔴 Economy: -42 (new low)
🔴 Foreign policy: -24
🟤 China summit: -9
🟤 Immigration: -8
🟤 Border… pic.twitter.com/64oj9HmJSu— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) May 20, 2026
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