Trump Approval Drops to Lowest Point of Second Term

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  • May 19, 2026 at 6:33 AM ET
  • Est. Read: 2 Mins
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Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to its lowest point during his second term, driven by economic concerns and discontent over the war with Iran. According to multiple polls, only 30-35% of voters approve of his job performance.

  • Trump's approval rating falls to between 30% and 35%, marking a significant decline since the start of his second term.
  • Economic concerns and disapproval of the war with Iran are key factors in the drop in support.
  • Democratic candidates lead Republican counterparts by 11 points on generic ballots for midterm elections.

President Donald Trump's approval rating has reached its lowest point during his second term, according to multiple polls released this week. The New York Times/Siena poll and a separate survey from Reuters/Ipsos both indicate widespread discontent with Trump's presidency, driven by economic concerns and the decision to launch a war with Iran.

The surveys show that only 30-35% of voters approve of Trump's job performance. The Reuters/Ipsos poll found that just above his lowest point in office (34%), while the New York Times/Siena poll reported an approval rating of 37%. Both polls highlight significant dissatisfaction with Trump's handling of economic issues and inflation.

The war with Iran has further compounded these concerns. The Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 62% of Republicans approve of how Trump is handling the situation in Iran, while 28% disapprove. Overall, just one in four respondents in the poll said the U.S. military action in Iran has been worth it.

The New York Times/Siena poll also showed that Democrats have opened up a wide lead on the generic ballots for the midterms, with 50% of registered voters preferring Democratic candidates compared to 39% favoring Republicans. Notably, 8% of those who backed Trump in 2024 would now support Democrats in 2026.

Republican political strategists have expressed concern that the downward turn in Trump's popularity could be a sign of flagging enthusiasm among Republican voters ahead of the November elections. Jeanette Hoffman, a Republican consultant, noted that while four out of five Republicans still back Trump, there is uncertainty about how much impact his declining numbers might have on voter turnout.

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