Record Low Approval Rating
President Donald Trump has reached a new low in his approval ratings, as reported by The Economist/YouGov. The latest poll, conducted from August 7-10 among 1,589 U.S. adults, shows that only 33 percent approve of his job performance. Meanwhile, 62 percent disapprove, resulting in a net approval rating of -29, a record low for The Economist/YouGov’s polling during his presidency. Just weeks earlier, the same polling organization reported a 34 percent approval rating, indicating a further decline. The poll’s margin of error is 3.2 percent.
Intensity of Disapproval
The intensity of opinions is notable. Only 17 percent strongly approve of Trump’s performance, while 50 percent strongly disapprove. This 33-point gap highlights the stronger negative sentiment compared to positive sentiment. The poll also reveals widespread pessimism about the nation’s direction, with 65 percent believing the country is on the wrong track, and merely 24 percent feeling it is headed in the right direction.
Newsweek reached out to the White House via email on Tuesday for comment.
Trajectory of Approval Ratings
The significance of this result lies in the trajectory of Trump’s approval ratings. At a similar point in his first term, Trump’s net approval was -10 percent. In comparison, former President Joe Biden had a net approval of -17 percent at a comparable stage in his presidency. Trump’s current -29 percent net approval suggests a weaker position.
The key question is whether this 33 percent approval represents a temporary dip or indicates a longer-term decline. There is also a significant drop among key voter groups, including women, white Americans, and college graduates.
New Lows Among Key Voting Blocs
Trump’s approval has plummeted across several vital voting groups. Among independents, just 18 percent approve of his performance, with 71 percent disapproving, leading to a net approval of -53, a sharp fall from earlier in the year. The approval among women stands at 29 percent, with a disapproval of 66 percent. Similarly, approval among white Americans and college graduates has also dropped to new lows.
Decline in Hispanic Support
Trump’s approval among Hispanics has decreased from 37 percent in mid-July to 27 percent in the latest poll, a significant 10-point drop in three weeks. Hispanic disapproval has risen to 66 percent. This decline holds significance because Trump’s political strategy has relied on improving Republican performance with Hispanic voters compared to past elections.
Comparison with Other Presidents
Trump’s current approval ratings are notably weaker than those of Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush at similar points in their terms, according to data from Quinnipiac University and Pew Research Center. This could place Trump in a challenging position as he heads into the midterm elections.
Future Engagement and Political Activities
Trump attended the Patriot Games Finale in Geneva, Ohio, today. This event provides an opportunity for policy announcements and political messaging ahead of the 2026 midterms. The administration has been active, signing 48 executive orders in 2026, focusing on areas such as birth tourism, customs enforcement, and military families.
Politically, Trump is expected to remain involved in Republican primaries and midterm contests. On August 10, he participated in a tele-rally supporting South Carolina Republican Senator Darline Graham and is anticipated to continue campaigning for GOP candidates.