Recent analysis reveals troubling trends for Donald Trump’s approval ratings regarding the economy. According to CNN analyst Harry Enten, Trump currently holds the lowest net approval rating for a sitting president one year into their second term.
Trump’s Historic Low Approval on the Economy
Enten highlighted that Trump’s net approval rating on the economy stands at minus 19 points. This statistic indicates a significant decline, particularly since economic performance was a strong point in his first election campaign.
Comparative Approval Ratings
Trump’s economic approval rating is starkly lower than that of his predecessors at the same juncture:
- Trump: -19 points
- George W. Bush: -15 points
- Barack Obama: -14 points
- Ronald Reagan: +17 points
- Bill Clinton: +35 points
This trend poses significant challenges for Trump’s re-election ambitions, as economic perceptions heavily influence voter sentiment.
Voter Sentiment on Job Creation and Cost of Living
Recent polling data from the Associated Press-NORC Center indicates that most Americans believe Trump has negatively impacted job creation and the cost of living. Specifically, 43% of respondents stated that Trump has hurt job creation, while only 26% felt he had a positive impact.
Moreover, regarding the cost of living, 57% indicated that Trump has harmed this crucial issue, compared to just 19% who believe he has aided it.
Implications for Future Elections
Enten’s analysis suggests that if Trump’s unfavorable ratings regarding economic issues continue, the Republican Party may struggle in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. He emphasized that political success in these elections requires improved perceptions of Trump’s handling of the economy.
With the current state of public opinion, Trump’s administration must address these economic concerns to regain support and ensure a stronger position in future political contests.
