Here’s what happened.
Recent polling data suggests a shift in former President Donald Trump’s approval ratings, particularly among men. While his core conservative base remains strong, small changes in support have sparked discussions about voter priorities in 2024.
According to Newsweek’s latest poll tracker, 48% of voters approve of Trump’s leadership, while 49% disapprove. Historically, men have favored Republican candidates, with 55% of male voters supporting Trump in 2024 compared to 45% of women. However, new data indicates a slight decline in male approval, raising questions about what’s driving this trend.
Polls Show a Temporary Shift – But Trump’s Support Holds Firm
A recent AtlasIntel poll (March 7-12) found 48% of men approve of Trump’s leadership, while 51% disapprove. This marks a change from their February survey, which showed 54% male approval. Meanwhile, approval among women remained steady at 47% in both polls.
Similar findings from Emerson College show that Trump’s net approval among men dropped from +18 points to +9 points in just over a week. Meanwhile, Quinnipiac University found Trump’s male approval declined from 57% in February to 53% in March, with disapproval increasing by 5 percentage points.
These numbers indicate a shift, but experts suggest it could be a short-term reaction to ongoing economic debates rather than a permanent decline.
Economic Concerns Dominate Voter Sentiment
One of the biggest drivers behind this polling shift is the economy. Inflation, job security, and trade policies are at the forefront of voters’ minds, particularly among working-class Americans.
A recent NBC News poll revealed that 54% of voters disapprove of Trump’s economic policies, while 44% approve. Similarly, AtlasIntel found that voters are evenly split on Trump’s handling of the economy, with 48% rating it as “good” or “excellent” and another 48% calling it “poor” or “terrible.”
Men—historically more supportive of Trump’s economic approach—are showing increasing concerns. Quinnipiac’s latest poll shows male disapproval of Trump’s economic policies rose from 34% in February to 43% in March, while approval dipped to 52%.
At the same time, inflation remains a pressing issue. A Labor Department report for January recorded the sharpest consumer price increases in 18 months. Trump is also moving forward with additional tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, a move aimed at protecting American industries but one that financial experts predict could push inflation up by 1%.
Trump’s Base Remains Strong Despite Media Spin
Despite these polling fluctuations, Trump’s core support remains solid. His focus on America First policies, job growth, and national security continues to resonate with millions of conservative voters.
Left-leaning media outlets may try to spin these numbers as a crisis, but the reality is that Trump still commands a massive base of support. His influence over the Republican Party and working-class voters remains unmatched, making him a formidable force heading into 2024 and beyond.
As the election season heats up, polling trends will continue to shift. However, with Trump’s strong track record on job creation, border security, and American prosperity, many believe he is still the best choice for leading the nation forward.
