Recent polling indicates a significant decline in President Donald Trump’s approval rating among white voters, marking the lowest point of his second term. According to a new survey from The Economist/YouGov, only 47% of white voters approve of his presidential performance, while 50% disapprove. This results in a net approval rating of -3 points.
Importance of White Voter Support
White voters have historically been a vital component of Trump’s base. In the context of the 2024 elections, more than 80% of Trump voters identified as white, based on data from The Associated Press. A reduction in support from this demographic could pose significant challenges for Trump’s campaign and the Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections.
Polling Insights
- The latest poll reflects Trump’s lowest net approval among white voters since July, when it was recorded at -2 points.
- The overall approval rating of Trump has plummeted to its lowest since January, with just 39% of Americans approving of his presidency.
- A disapproval rate of 58% results in a net approval rating of -19 points for Trump overall.
According to YouGov Public Relations Lead Allen Houston, this is the lowest net approval rating recorded during Trump’s second term, lower than nearly all polls from his first term as well. Major issues such as immigration, the economy, and inflation have contributed to rising disapproval rates.
Major Concerns Identified
- Net approval rating on jobs and the economy: -22 points
- Net approval rating on inflation: -31 points
- Net approval rating on immigration: -10 points
The survey indicated that a majority of Americans, 61%, disapprove of Trump’s initiative to demolish the East Wing of the White House for a $300 million ballroom project. Among white voters, 57% disapprove of this decision.
Survey Details
The poll conducted included responses from 1,623 U.S. adults, which encompassed 1,476 registered voters. The survey period spanned from October 24 to 27, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4% for adults and 3.1% for registered voters.
Expert Opinions
Political analysts suggest that Trump’s declining approval among white voters mirrors broader concerns across various demographics, particularly related to key issues such as inflation and the economy. Peter Loge from George Washington University noted that voters across all demographics view Trump’s handling of these issues unfavorably.
Grant Davis Reeher from Syracuse University highlighted that ongoing issues, including government shutdowns and inconsistent tariffs, may be exacerbating frustrations among voters, especially in the business community.
Future Implications
As the landscape remains fluid, Trump’s approval ratings among white voters and across other demographic groups may continue to shift, particularly in light of ongoing government challenges and approaching midterm elections.
