Donald Trump's approval rating fell to 35% in the latest Economist / YouGov Poll, while 61% of Americans disapproved of his job performance. The poll put his net job approval at -25, just above the lowest level in either of his terms. For readers tracking his standing, the gap is now widest where it often matters most: among Independents.
That group gave Trump 21% approval and 71% disapproval, leaving him at a net -51. Among Republicans, he still drew more support than Joe Biden drew from Democrats at a similar point in Biden's presidency, but the source said Trump's Republican backing has been lower than it was in his first term.
Economist YouGov Poll
The latest numbers place Trump below his recent run and below Biden at the same stage of Biden's presidency, when Biden's net approval stood at -14. The comparison goes further: Biden reached -23 on several occasions in his final year in office, while Trump's -25 sits just above his personal low of -26.
The poll also measured intensity, not just split opinions. Fifty-one percent of Americans strongly disapprove of Trump's job performance, compared with 20% who strongly approve. That leaves little room for a quick rebound unless soft disapproval turns into approval in the next survey cycle.
Among Independents
The sharpest weakness remains among Independents. Trump had a net approval of -99 among the 19% of Independents who lean toward the Democratic Party, while Republican-leaning Independents gave him 66% approval and 30% disapproval. Among Independents who lean to neither party, 17% approved and 73% disapproved.
That split leaves Trump with room to hold Republicans, but far less room to expand beyond them. At this point in his first term, his net approval among Independents was close to break-even at -6, and his Republican support averaged +77 over three weeks. The current three-week Republican average was +68, which is still strong but lower than the earlier term benchmark.
Trump and Personal Gain
The survey also found that 60% of Americans said Trump is using his office for personal gain, while 27% said he is not. Among Republicans, 66% said he is not using his office for personal gain, including 81% of MAGA supporters and 43% of non-MAGA Republicans. Another 34% of non-MAGA Republicans said he is using his office for personal gain.
A separate question in the poll asked about a new Air Force One color scheme. Thirty-six percent of Americans said they like it better than the old blue-and-white design, while 25% preferred the old version. Among Democrats, 40% preferred the old design and 28% preferred the new one; among Republicans, 50% preferred the new design and 13% preferred the old. The approval figures leave Trump’s standing dependent on partisanship, with Independents still setting the limits on how far that support can stretch.
