Trump’s Declining Approval Rating

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has reached a historic low according to Big Data Poll. This result is surprising as the survey has traditionally shown some of Trump’s strongest numbers. The most recent poll, conducted from May 24 to 27, surveyed 3,121 registered voters. It found that 39.4 percent of respondents approved of Trump’s performance, with 19.9 percent strongly approving. This marks the first time his approval has fallen into the critical 30 percent range during his second term.

Although Trump has often exceeded expectations in previous elections, the significant drop in approval suggests broadening dissatisfaction. Big Data Poll, known for its previous favorable ratings for Trump, called this decline “a new low” for his presidency.

Internal and External Criticisms

The director of Big Data Poll, Rich Baris, has expressed criticism of Trump, particularly regarding his stance on Israel and the war in Iran. Baris previously warned about potential backlash if Trump escalated U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict. In the May report, he noted that voters, given ample political leeway, are now expressing dissatisfaction with the Republican Party for not heeding warnings.

Notably, the survey indicates a divide within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Approval ratings have dropped on key issues such as the economy and foreign policy. Criticism also extends to Trump’s handling of matters related to Jeffrey Epstein.

White House Response

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle responded by emphasizing the outcome of the November 5, 2024 election, stating that nearly 80 million Americans elected Trump based on his agenda. He claimed that Trump’s administration has achieved unprecedented progress for the American people in areas such as job creation, inflation reduction, and housing affordability.

Ingle maintained that this is just the beginning as Trump’s agenda continues to unfold, underscoring the administration’s historical achievements on both domestic and international fronts.

Approval Ratings on Specific Issues

Trump’s current approval rating of 39.4 percent is a decline from 44.8 percent in January and a significant drop from the 55.5 percent reported when he resumed office the previous year. The May poll shows that 57.4 percent of registered voters disapprove of his job performance, with 46.2 percent expressing strong disapproval.

Big Data Poll’s “intensity index,” which indicates the gap between strong approval and strong disapproval, stands at -26.3—the widest negative gap recorded by the survey. This indicates increased dissatisfaction and challenges for the administration.

On economic issues, 38.5 percent approve, while 56.9 percent disapprove, leaving Trump 18.4 points behind. This is a decline from January’s 46.8 percent approval. Similarly, for cost of living, only 29 percent express approval, with 66.5 percent disapproving—a decline from 38.5 percent approval earlier in the year.

With regard to the war in Iran, 58.3 percent disapprove of Trump’s handling, compared to 33.7 percent who approve, a negative spread of 24.6 percent.

Voter Patience Wears Thin

Baris noted that voters have “run out of patience” with the administration and the majority party. The report highlights an increasing number of respondents who trust Democrats over Republicans on key voting issues like the economy, cost of living, and foreign policy. However, more respondents trust Republicans, over Democrats, on immigration and border security.

The Trump administration faces criticism from major MAGA figures like former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and commentators such as Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson. They argue that Trump has abandoned the “America First” philosophy by engaging in foreign conflicts and supporting Israel.

Representative Thomas Massie’s primary loss in Kentucky underscores the internal Republican contention. Massie faced opposition from Trump and his supporters over issues like Epstein and Iran. Despite Trump’s criticism, Massie received support from Republicans with libertarian views. Ultimately, Massie lost to Ed Gallrein, a Trump-endorsed candidate, which highlights Trump’s influence among voters despite contrasting polling data.