Trump Faces Record Low Approval Ratings Amid Economic and Foreign Policy Challenges

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to historic lows based on the Big Data Poll’s latest findings. This poll, which has often reported favorable numbers for Trump, shows voter dissatisfaction primarily due to concerns about the economy, cost of living, and foreign policy. The survey, carried out from May 24 to May 27, polled 3,121 registered voters. It found that 39.4 percent approved of Trump’s performance, including 19.9 percent who expressed strong approval. Big Data Poll described this as a new low for Trump in his second term.

Historically, some polls have underestimated Trump’s popularity, yet Big Data Poll has previously recorded some of his highest approval ratings. This decline signals a potential expansion of dissatisfaction beyond his usual critics. Rich Baris, director of Big Data Poll and former Trump supporter, has grown critical of Trump’s policies regarding Israel and the war in Iran. According to Baris, May’s poll numbers reflect the widening divide within the Make America Great Again movement.

The ultimate poll was November 5, 2024, when nearly 80 million Americans overwhelmingly elected President Trump to deliver on his popular and commonsense agenda. No other President in history has accomplished more for the American people than President Trump, who is working tirelessly to create jobs, cool inflation, increase housing affordability, and more.

The approval rate of 39.4 percent represents a decrease from January’s 44.8 percent and sharply down from the 55.5 percent reported when Trump resumed office the previous year. Currently, 57.4 percent of voters disapprove of Trump’s job performance, with 46.2 percent expressing strong disapproval. The intensity index, measuring the difference between strong approval and disapproval, stands at -26.3, marking a record negative spread for the firm.

Regarding specific issues, Trump’s ratings are negative across the board. His handling of the economy and jobs is underwater by 18.4 points, with 38.5 percent approving and 56.9 percent disapproving. Approval regarding cost of living sits at 29 percent, with 66.5 percent disapproving, marking a -37.5 percent spread. The disapproval rating on his handling of the war in Iran is 58.3 percent compared to 33.7 percent approval, a -24.6 percent spread.

Baris discussed the erosion of patience among voters with the administration’s approach and noted a shift in trust towards the Democrats on major voting issues like the economy and foreign policy. Yet, Republicans maintain more trust from voters on immigration and border security. Key figures in Trump’s political base, such as former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and commentators like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson, have raised concerns about Trump’s foreign involvement and deviation from the ‘America First’ agenda.

In a closely-watched primary in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, Representative Thomas Massie, who diverged from Trump on several issues, faced strong opposition from Trump and his supporters. Massie lost to Ed Gallrein, suggesting Trump’s endorsement still holds weight despite the poll results.