President Donald Trump’s job approval rating remains steady at 40%, with strong disapproval from women, Democrats, and independents, according to a national poll released Thursday. The survey, conducted by Emerson College Polling, also found Democrats leading Republicans by 8 percentage points on a generic ballot for Congressional races, with 51% of likely voters favoring Democrats and 43% supporting Republicans.
2028 Presidential Race Shows GOP Struggles
In the 2028 presidential race, Republican candidates face significant challenges. Marco Rubio, the current secretary of state, topped possible GOP contenders in head-to-head matchups but trailed several Democrats, including Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who held a consistent 5-point lead over Rubio and JD Vance. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff saw their leads narrow against Rubio, while Vice President Kamala Harris led Vance by 4 points but trailed Rubio by 5.
Emerson College Polling Executive Director Spencer Kimball noted that Rubio outperformed Vance in these matchups, suggesting a potential advantage for the GOP in 2028. However, the poll indicated that Democratic candidates like Buttigieg and Newsom were performing better than others, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Harris. Kimball also highlighted the potential for a gender divide in general election matchups, though Democrats appeared to hold a slight advantage overall.
Economic Concerns and Voter Sentiment
A separate poll by Focaldata for the Financial Times revealed that 53% of registered voters felt worse off financially under Trump compared to when Joe Biden was president. The survey, conducted between Aug. 7 and Aug. 10, found 57% of independents and nearly a quarter of self-identified Republicans shared this sentiment. Voters also expressed greater trust in Democrats to handle inflation and the economy, issues traditionally seen as Republican strengths.
The poll highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the economy, with 64% of voters believing it was heading in the wrong direction. Trump’s handling of the war in Iran and rising living costs has further damaged his popularity. The president has faced criticism for remarks about inflation and gas prices, including statements dismissing concerns about record-high prices. Meanwhile, 23% of voters identified as supporters of the Democratic Socialists of America, with 46% of Democrats expressing such alignment, particularly among younger voters.