President Donald Trump’s approval ratings gap has widened compared to weeks before, as more Americans disapprove of the job he is doing in his second term leading the United States.
Why It Matters
Trump has routinely touted positive approval ratings and polls during news conferences and campaign rallies throughout his political career.
When the president returned to the White House in January, he coasted in with positive numbers. But his approval ratings then dipped significantly amid sweeping tariff announcements. Trump later walked back the tariffs by announcing a 90-day pause for the majority.
Slipping in polls could ultimately hinder Trump’s political clout in an already highly polarized climate and potentially hurt Republican chances in the coming 2026 midterms.
What To Know
In a new poll from The Economist and YouGov out on Tuesday, the president’s approval rating is 41 percent versus a disapproval rating of 54 percent. The poll shows the president has a 13 percent gap, with more Americans disapproving of his handling of the presidency.
The poll was taken from June 13 to June 16 among 1,512 U.S. adult citizens, with a 3.3 percent margin of error.
The week before, from June 6 to June 9, the president had an approval rating of 43 percent and a disapproval score of 52 percent. The gap was 9 percent leaning toward more Americans disapproving of the president’s handling of the Oval Office.
The poll was taken among 1,533 respondents and had a margin of error of 3.5 percent.
In a survey taken from May 30 to June 2, the president had a 45 percent approval rating versus a 49 percent disapproval mark. The gap was 4 percent, with a margin of error of 3.2 percent among 1,660 respondents.
The expansion of Trump’s approval ratings gap comes amid fever pitch tensions in the Middle East and domestic issues including protests and riots over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
Trump has urged everyone in Iran’s capital of Tehran to leave immediately amid escalating strikes between the country and Israel. The president also made an early exit from the Group of Seven summit in Calgary, Canada, to meet with his National Security Council.
What People Are Saying
Political analyst Craig Agranoff to Newsweek via text message Tuesday: “Right now, with Trump’s approval-disapproval gap widening to 13 points from just two weeks ago, it’s clear public sentiment is shifting, particularly as Middle East tensions escalate.”
“Public support is always critical during foreign policy crises, it lends legitimacy and political capital to tough decisions. But with Trump, it’s hard to say if he’s swayed by these numbers. His track record suggests he prioritizes his base and his instincts over broad public approval, especially on issues like Iran or Israel. Still, ignoring a growing disapproval gap could limit his room to maneuver if the situation worsens,” Agranoff said.
Charlie Kirk, founder and president of conservative Turning Point USA, on X, formerly Twitter, this month: “President Trump has a positive net approval rating, and no other issue contributes to his popularity more than immigration: ‘He is begging for a fight on immigration because he knows what he’s doing so far is working with the electorate.’ Bring it on, Democrats.”
Democratic strategist Matt McDermott, on X this week: “Second abysmal poll this week for Trump, with his approval rating falling below 40%. Economic disapproval 71% among Indies. The signal is clear: voters are sick of Trump.”
What Happens Next
Weekly figures charting the president’s approval ratings are published by numerous pollsters and media outlets.
