Trump’s Economic Number In The Gutter?
A new CBS News/YouGov poll released Monday highlights a shift in how Americans feel about the economy, showing President Trump’s economic approval rating dipping since March. According to the survey, 36% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, compared to 51% earlier this year.
The news comes at a time when many families — especially seniors on fixed incomes — continue feeling the pain of inflation, high grocery bills, rising energy costs, and an unstable global market. Critics of the poll note that Democrat-led states continue pushing policies that strain the economy while blaming Trump for long-term structural issues he has been working to fix.
⭐ Overall Job Approval Sees Smaller Decline
Trump’s broader job approval sits at 40%, reflecting an 11-point drop from March. While still a decrease, it is less severe than the economic approval dip, indicating that many Americans may be frustrated with economic conditions but still trust Trump on leadership, foreign policy, and national security.
⭐ Independents Drive the Largest Shift
The most dramatic movement came from independent voters, who often decide national elections:
- 76% of independents now disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy
- 24% approve, reflecting concerns about rising costs and affordability
- In March, independents were almost evenly split, with 46% approving and 54% disapproving
The same trend appears in Trump’s overall approval among independents:
- 28% approve,
- 72% disapprove, putting him 44 points underwater in this group.
Back in March, he was only 6 points underwater, showing a significant shift fueled largely by economic frustration.
⭐ Democrats Remain Predictably Hostile
Democrat respondents offered overwhelmingly negative views, which aligns with consistent partisan trends:
- Only 3% approve of Trump’s handling of the economy
- Just 4% approve of his overall performance
Even these small numbers were slightly higher in March, when 16% of Democrats approved of his economic approach and 13% approved overall.
⭐ Republican Support Remains Exceptionally Strong
Despite nationwide economic concerns, Trump’s base continues to stand firmly behind him.
- 81% of Republicans approve of his handling of the economy
- His overall job approval among Republicans remains almost unchanged at 89%, compared to 90% in March
This stability points to deep confidence among conservatives who remember Trump’s strong pre-pandemic economy, low unemployment, booming stock market, and America-first trade policies.
⭐ Poll Released as Trump Refocuses on the Economy
The timing of the survey is notable. The Trump administration has recently intensified its messaging on:
- Inflation relief
- Energy independence
- Manufacturing and made-in-America production
- Lowering the cost of living for seniors and working families
This shift comes after Democrat candidates surged in recent elections by campaigning heavily on affordability — despite presiding over historic inflation in many states.
Older Americans, retirees, and conservative voters have consistently said the economy is their top issue heading into 2026, making Trump’s renewed focus especially strategic.
⭐ Poll Details
- Survey size: 1,489 adults
- Dates conducted: Nov. 19–21
- Margin of error: ±2.4 points
