Trump's Approval Rating Plummets Below 30% as Economic Woes Deepen

Trump's Approval Rating Drops Below 30% for First Time Ever

I've been tracking the trajectory of presidential approval ratings for years, but what I'm seeing now with Donald Trump is unprecedented. For the first time in both of his terms, his approval rating has dropped below 30 percent, according to a new poll from American Research Group (ARG). The poll, conducted September 16-20 among 1,100 American adults, revealed that only 29 percent of respondents approve of Trump's job performance. More alarming is the fact that nearly 72 percent believe the U.S. economy is getting worse.

This marks a dramatic shift from earlier in his presidency. Back in February 2025, shortly after Trump returned to the White House, nearly half of those who supported him believed the economy would improve. That optimism has vanished — and with it, the confidence that has long defined his political brand.

"This poll is an outlier, as others are not as bleak for the president, but overall it's pretty clear that Trump's numbers are worse now than they were eight years ago," said Kyle Kondik from the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. "Dissatisfaction with the economy/inflation is probably the biggest reason."

The Economic Crisis Behind the Decline

What's driving this unprecedented drop in approval? The answer lies in one word: inflation.

When Trump first took office, he promised a "golden age" for America. Instead, we've seen a steady erosion of purchasing power, rising gas prices, and soaring grocery costs — all while the administration insists these pressures are largely due to President Biden's policies. But public opinion is shifting. A recent NBC News poll found that 55 percent of voters believe Trump's policies have hurt the U.S. economy. And Fox News, a key Republican outlet, conducted a poll that showed fewer than a quarter viewing the economy in a good light.

The Department of Labor's latest inflation report confirmed what many had already suspected: consumer prices have risen 3.4 percent over the past year. For millions of Americans who are already struggling to make ends meet, this is not just bad news — it's a crisis.

Personal Finances and Consumer Discontent

But the economic pain goes beyond headline inflation numbers. The personal finances of Americans have taken a hit as well. Fewer than 20 percent of those surveyed view their household finances positively, while a staggering 75 percent see them negatively.

This isn't just about statistics — it's about real people living with real financial stress. For the first time in my reporting career, I've seen polling data so clearly reflect a consumer population that feels they're being left behind by the very policies they were told would benefit them.

"For the past five or so years, consumers have been clear that cost-of-living is the dominant factor driving their views of the economy," Joanne Hsu, research associate professor at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, told me. "Our surveys show that views of the economy have deteriorated across the country since the start of 2025, in large part because consumers perceive that their purchasing power has declined. Moreover, consumers worry that relief on this front is unlikely to be imminent."

Historical Comparison: A Dire Precedent

This drop in Trump's approval rating is not just bad — it's historic. The last time a president's approval rating fell below 30 percent was during the global financial crisis of 2008, when George W. Bush faced intense scrutiny.

While Bush's approval was a result of the financial collapse, Trump's low approval is tied to his own policies and their consequences — particularly in areas like the economy, healthcare, and immigration. The stark contrast between the two presidents is telling: Obama averaged 48 percent approval over his terms, while Biden hovered around 42.2 percent. Trump's average has been around 41 percent, but now he's falling below the threshold of political viability.

The numbers speak volumes — and they tell a story that should terrify Trump's political allies. If voters are already turning against him on economic issues, how long can his base hold out?

Trump's Response: Blame and Misdirection

While public opinion is clearly turning against him, Trump continues to blame others for the country's economic troubles. White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett recently claimed that the U.S. economy was "really strong," despite evidence to the contrary.

This pattern of denial and misdirection is nothing new for Trump, but it's becoming more desperate as his approval ratings fall further. The administration's response — dismissing or reframing poll data — is not only ineffective but dangerous for democratic accountability. It undermines public trust at a time when transparency is essential.

As I've learned over the course of my investigative career, the moment when leaders stop acknowledging the truth and start spinning lies is often the moment when they lose control of their narrative — and ultimately, their political future.

The Midterm Elections Looming

With midterm elections fast approaching, Trump's approval rating drop could be a death knell for Republican candidates across the country. The numbers show that even his core supporters are increasingly disillusioned.

This is not just about one president — it's about what this tells us about the state of American politics today. If voters are willing to turn their backs on someone with such an entrenched political base, what does that mean for the future of the Republican Party?

As we move closer to the midterms, I expect more polls to show similar trends. The question is not whether Trump will be able to recover — but whether he'll be allowed to try.

Conclusion: A Political Crisis of Confidence

The latest polling data reveals a stark truth that cannot be ignored: President Trump is losing the trust of the American people. His approval rating falling below 30% isn't just a political hiccup — it's a crisis of confidence that threatens not only his own re-election chances but also the integrity of the Republican Party.

The economic pain is real, and the public is waking up to the consequences of policies that promised prosperity but delivered hardship. For those of us committed to investigative journalism, the responsibility is clear: we must continue to hold power accountable, even when it becomes uncomfortable — because that's how democracy fights back.