President Donald Trump faces tumbling approval ratings and widespread public blame for surging living costs as midterm elections approach, according to a national poll. Sixty-five percent of U.S. adults attribute persistently high prices to his policies rather than external factors, just weeks before voters decide control of Congress.
Americans are expressing deep frustration with the administration’s economic management, driving approval numbers to low levels as campaigning intensifies across the country. Only 26% of U.S. adults approve of the president’s handling of the overall economy, while a mere 17% approve of his management of the cost of living.
Voter Frustrations and Economic Pressure in Pennsylvania and California
The financial strain has hit households hard as everyday basics climb out of reach. Roughly half of U.S. adults report being extremely or very concerned about affording food and filling their gas tanks, a notable jump from earlier in the summer when those worries sat at 39%.
Voters across the political spectrum describe feeling the pinch of inflation and fuel costs in their daily budgets. Pedro Sanchez, 52, a law enforcement worker in Perris, California, who voted for Trump, said his disposable income has vanished due to broad price increases driven by fuel costs.
I used to have a lot more disposable income. I don’t have that any more. It’s gotten eaten up because of all these increases in the cost of everything. Pedro Sanchez
Similar sentiment echoes among registered Republicans who feel let down by the current economic trajectory.
Approval Ratings and White House Response to the Polls
The current economic approval marks a drop from March 2025, right after the start of the second presidential term. About 7 in 10 Americans now state that the handling of the cost of living has turned out worse than expected.
When questioned about political headwinds in states like Iowa—where he previously won by 13 points—the president dismissed the negative data during an Oval Office appearance reported by CBS News.
I'm surprised. First of all, the polls are fake.
The administration has pointed toward long-term industrial investments to shore up its economic message. During the same Oval Office session, the president highlighted a planned steel mill in Iowa slated to open in 2030, describing it as a major win while acknowledging communication hurdles.
Foreign Policy and Trade Disapproval Compounding Political Risk
Economic distress is compounded by widespread voter dissatisfaction with foreign policy decisions and international trade maneuvers. Sixty-eight percent of respondents disapprove of trade negotiations with other countries, and 64% believe the implementation of new tariffs has gone too far.
Foreign conflicts also weigh heavily on public perception. Sixty-nine percent of Americans say the war in Iran has not been worth fighting, and only 28% approve of how the administration is managing relations with Iran. Tensions in the region have directly impacted domestic fuel markets.
Amid these compounding pressures, some reliable party supporters remain willing to offer grace. Fred Naumann, 51, a Republican from Green Bay, Wisconsin, believes macroeconomic factors are largely outside presidential control.
I think inflation is a very difficult thing to tackle.