President Donald Trump’s second-term approval ratings are taking a serious hit. A new Quinnipiac poll shows that 53% of voters disapprove of his leadership, and other major surveys paint a similar picture.
From economic instability to foreign policy concerns, multiple factors are driving voter dissatisfaction.
But what exactly is fueling this decline? And what does it mean for Trump’s political future? Let’s break it down.
Trump Faces Growing Disapproval Across Key Issues
Trump’s approval ratings have been on a downward trend for weeks.
While his supporters continue to defend his policies, recent polls show that a majority of Americans are unhappy with how he’s handling key issues.
According to a new CNN poll, 54% of voters disapprove of Trump’s performance.
Jessica Tarlov, a Fox News host, summed it up on The Five:
“There’s over 50% disapproval of Trump himself—how he’s handling the economy, how he’s handling the federal workforce, how he’s handling Ukraine-Russia, how he’s handling trade with Mexico, how he’s handling trade with Canada… So basically, he’s underwater on everything.”
But what’s behind these dismal numbers? Let’s take a closer look.
Economic Policies Are Raising Alarm Bells
The economy is always a top concern for voters, and many feel that Trump’s leadership is falling short.
Since the start of his second term, the stock market has seen instability, businesses have faced economic uncertainty, and layoffs have increased in several sectors.
A significant number of voters believe Trump’s decisions are too erratic. The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that 57% of Americans think his economic policies lack consistency and stability.
Trump has often touted his economic achievements, but these latest numbers suggest that many Americans aren’t convinced. If economic concerns continue, his approval ratings could drop even further.
Foreign Policy Moves Are Not Winning Public Support
Voters are also uneasy about Trump’s foreign policy decisions. His handling of relations with China, Mexico, and Canada has drawn sharp criticism.
While he claims his trade policies are designed to put “America First,” they have also led to uncertainty in key industries.
His approach to the Ukraine-Russia conflict has been another major sticking point. While some Republicans support his stance, many Americans feel his policies have been inconsistent or lacking clear direction.
As a result, Trump’s approval ratings on foreign policy have been slipping, with multiple polls reflecting voter frustration.
Government Job Cuts Spark Backlash
Another major factor fueling Trump’s declining approval ratings is his decision to cut thousands of government jobs.
Federal employees have been particularly affected, with reductions hitting agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and other key institutions.
Town halls across the country have turned heated, with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers facing tough questions from frustrated voters.
Some Republican officials have even been heckled and forced to leave meetings as public anger grows.
North Carolina Representative Chuck Edwards recently faced an intense backlash at a town hall when constituents demanded answers about cuts to veteran services.
The tension in these meetings suggests that public discontent is reaching a boiling point.
What This Means for the 2026 Midterms
With Trump’s approval ratings slipping, political analysts are already speculating about the impact on the 2026 midterm elections.
If voter frustration continues to grow, Republican candidates closely aligned with Trump could face tough battles.
Democrats, on the other hand, are seizing the moment. Many are pushing messages that highlight Trump’s economic and policy missteps, hoping to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction.
Trump’s political brand has always been resilient, but with growing disapproval across key issues, he faces one of his biggest challenges yet.
Will Trump Bounce Back or Keep Sinking?
The big question now is whether Trump can turn things around.
His history suggests he won’t go down without a fight, but with declining poll numbers and increasing public frustration, he has a steep hill to climb.