Approval rating drops to a record low of 33%: Economic pains drag down Trump, Republicans sound the alarm for midterm elections

Trump's approval rating has dropped to the lowest point of his second term, with growing economic dissatisfaction eroding his core voter base. With less than seven months left before the 2026 midterm elections, alarms have gone off across the Republican Party. According to CCTV reports and the latest U.S. polls, Trump’s approval rating on economic issues has fallen to 31%, a new low during his presidency. The report says that following U.S. military action against Iran, American oil prices surged, further increasing economic pressure and dissatisfaction among the public. Only 24% of respondents approve of the government’s handling of inflation, a sharp decline from 33% a year ago; 64% oppose the tariff policy, with only 28% in support. According to a poll released Monday by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Trump's overall approval rating has fallen to 33%, the lowest point of his second term. The most alarming signal for Republicans is that there are clear cracks in the blue-collar base that helped Trump win two elections. Seventeen percent of Trump voters from 2024 now have doubts about their prior voting choice, and his net approval rating among adults in households with annual incomes under $50,000 has dropped to minus 22 percentage points. Poll Decline Accelerates, Tariffs Ignite Inflation Dissatisfaction According to analysis by the Financial Times, the downward trend in Trump’s approval began as early as last December, well before military actions in the Middle East, indicating that dissatisfaction among voters is more rooted in domestic economic policy. The University of Massachusetts Amherst poll shows that the 33% overall approval rating is the lowest of his entire second term. Economists have long warned that tariffs will bring inflationary pressure, and only 24% of respondents approve of the government’s handling of inflation, down from 33% a year ago. According to CCTV reports, the latest U.S. poll shows Trump’s approval rating on economic issues has dropped to 31%, a historic low; 77% of respondents believe "the economic situation in the United States is terrible", and Republican voters’ satisfaction with the economy has decreased by 14 percentage points. In a 19-minute nationwide television address Wednesday night, Trump admitted to the "short-term" economic pain and blamed high gasoline prices on Iran’s "crazy" attack on Strait shipping. Analysts believe this statement shows he is aware of the poll downturn. Oil Price Shock Spreads, Cracks in Blue-Collar Base Emerge The latest poll shows 63% of respondents say "rising oil prices have caused a certain degree of financial hardship for their families." Effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has kept oil prices high, making this one of the most tangible channels for voters to feel economic pressure. For the GOP, the most warning number is Trump’s net approval rating among adults in households earning less than $50,000, which stands at minus 22 percentage points. Attracting the working class has been central to Trump’s two election victories. The University of Massachusetts Amherst poll also shows 17% of 2024 Trump voters now have doubts about their previous choice. This means his electoral coalition is unraveling in real time. White House Gaffes Add Uncertainty, Path to Breaking Midterm Deadlock Unclear As election prospects become increasingly fragile, Trump’s remarks at the Easter luncheon Wednesday left insiders within the Republican Party even more uneasy. He bluntly said: "We cannot take care of daycare matters. We are a big country; we are at war. Taking care of daycare, Medicaid, Medicare—these things are impossible for us." Such remarks are a further blow to working-class voters already deeply concerned about the government’s stance on social spending. Aside from poll pressure, Trump’s tariff agenda and immigration policies—two hallmark policies of his second term—are also facing judicial obstacles. According to Financial Times Washington bureau chief James Politi, the White House and Republican Party are facing urgent challenges in reversing course before the November 2026 election. From current poll trends, this road will not be easy. Risk Disclaimer The market has risks; investment should be cautious. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and has not considered individual users’ special investment goals, financial status, or needs. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article fit their specific situations. Investing based on this is at your own risk.