President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, the lowest point recorded during his presidency, according to the latest YouGov/Economist poll released Tuesday. The survey indicates 62% disapproval, marking a significant decline in public support.
The poll, conducted in early August, reflects a net approval rating of negative 29 percentage points, the lowest recorded across Trump’s two terms. This represents a 16-point drop from his 49% approval at the start of his second term and a 6-point decline from 39% in January 2026.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
The YouGov/Economist poll reveals that Trump’s approval has eroded across all major political groups. Among Republicans, approval stands at 79%, while Democrats register just 4% approval. Among independents, approval drops to 22%, with 62% disapproving. The poll also highlights concerns over Trump’s handling of international crises, with only 30% of respondents expressing confidence in his ability to manage such situations.
The survey follows a broader trend of declining approval, with Reuters/Ipsos reporting 35% support in a separate poll last week and Quinnipiac University recording 32% approval in late July. The Economist/YouGov polling tracker previously ranked Trump as the most unpopular president ever in its records, with a net approval of negative 25 points in June.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Declining Support Across Political Spectrum
The YouGov/Economist poll breaks down approval ratings by subgroup:
- Make America Great Again (MAGA) Republicans: 12-point drop in approval.
- All Republicans: 33-point decline.
- Non-MAGA Republicans: 81-point drop.
- Independents: 49-point decline.
- Democrats: 21-point decline.
The poll also found that 50% of respondents believe Trump says what he believes, while 36% think he says what people want to hear. Additionally, 53% of respondents described Trump as “too old” for the presidency, including 85% of Democrats and 17% of Republicans.
Economic and Geopolitical Pressures
The decline in approval coincides with rising energy prices and the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has drawn criticism from both parties. Republicans are warning that the president’s handling of these issues could impact GOP performance in the November midterms, where control of Congress is at stake. Some strategists have drawn comparisons to former President Jimmy Carter, whose approval plummeted during the Iran hostage crisis and high inflation in the late 1970s.
White House Response
A spokesperson for the White House responded to the poll by stating, “The President has already made historic progress not only in America but around the world, and this is just the beginning as his agenda continues.” The statement did not address the specific findings of the poll.
Historical Context
The YouGov/Economist poll is the latest in a series of surveys showing declining support for Trump. The Economist/YouGov tracker had previously ranked him as the most unpopular president in its polling history, with a net approval of negative 25 points in June. Other polls, including those from Reuters/Ipsos and Quinnipiac University, have similarly recorded low approval ratings, reinforcing the trend of waning public confidence.