Summary (tl;dr)

President Donald Trump's approval ratings have reached a second-term low, primarily due to widespread public dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy and the ongoing U.S. military involvement in Iran, leading to concerns for the Republican Party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Essential Background

Donald Trump is currently serving his non-consecutive second term as the President of the United States, which commenced on January 20, 2025. His administration has faced various domestic and international challenges, with public opinion frequently measured through national polls.

The Full Story

"Trump polls" are trending as recent surveys conducted in June 2026 indicate a significant downturn in President Trump's approval ratings. An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows his approval at 36%, marking the lowest of his second term, with 59% disapproval. The Marist Poll specifically highlights that just one-third of Americans approve of his economic handling, his lowest rating on this issue ever, driven by Democrats, independents, and even 22% of Republicans. Similarly, an AP-NORC poll places his overall approval at 37%, consistent with May, but also notes continued public disapproval of his handling of the situation in Iran.

Civiqs' rolling online tracking poll, analyzed by Newsweek, reported Trump's national approval at 37% and disapproval at 58%, revealing weaker margins across nearly all states compared to the start of his second term in January 2025. Rural voters, a critical demographic, have shown a double-digit loss in support for President Trump in a Reuters-Ipsos poll, largely attributed to rising gas prices, fertilizer shortages, and reduced exports. Furthermore, young voters overwhelmingly disapprove of his job performance and intend to vote for Democrats in the upcoming 2026 elections. These declining numbers are fueling discussions about their potential impact on the 2026 midterm elections for control of the U.S. Congress.

Why It Matters

The current polling trends are significant as they indicate growing public discontent with the President's performance, particularly concerning economic issues and foreign policy. Historically, low presidential approval ratings often translate into headwinds for the incumbent's party in midterm elections, potentially leading to shifts in congressional power. The erosion of support among key voting blocs, such as rural and young voters, suggests a challenging electoral landscape for the Republican Party in 2026 and could influence legislative priorities and the political agenda for the remainder of President Trump's term.

Geographic Location

• United States (nationwide polls reflecting public opinion)
• Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (center of U.S. federal government where policies and executive actions are made, impacting national polls)