Donald Trump‘s approval rating has fallen to a net negative low, with majorities of Americans disapproving of his job performance, according to the latest YouGov/Economist poll conducted July 17–20, 2026. The poll shows 58% disapprove versus 39% approve. A separate USA TODAY survey places his approval in the mid-30s, near record lows. The key finding: even his core base is showing cracks in loyalty, driven by twin crises in Iran and the U.S. economy.
The numbers are stark. The YouGov poll reveals 55% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of his job. Among personal qualities, 56% disapprove of his honesty, 54% of his empathy, and 52% of his leadership. The Washington Post/Ipsos poll, released July 16, puts approval at 36% — stuck in the 30s for the third consecutive month. The net negative gap is widening: the disapprove-approve spread now hits 19 points, up from 14 points in June.
Age concerns are a factor, per USA TODAY. Among voters 65 and older, approval drops to 33%, a demographic that traditionally leans Republican. This signals erosion among a key base segment.
Two issues dominate the decline: Iran and the economy. The Washington Post poll finds 62% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of Iran, amid rising tensions and failed negotiations. On the economy, 57% disapprove, citing inflation and job instability. These twin crises are driving independent voters away — 68% of independents now disapprove, per YouGov.
The personal qualities factor is critical. The YouGov poll shows majorities disapprove of Trump’s temperament (54%) and decision-making style (53%). This is not just about policy: voters see character flaws. USA TODAY’s age concern angle reinforces this — older voters cite a lack of empathy and erratic behavior as reasons for shifting away.
Historical context is grim. Trump’s current approval is near his all-time low of 34% in January 2021. It is also among the lowest for any modern president at this point in their term. The Washington Post notes only Richard Nixon had a lower average in the 30s during Watergate.
The 2026 midterm implications are significant. A net negative approval weakens Trump’s ability to push legislation, rally donors, and influence Republican primaries. Candidates in swing districts now face a dilemma: embrace a president with record-low approval or distance themselves. GOP strategists, quoted by USA TODAY, warn that a 36% approval rating is “toxic” for down-ballot races.
Can Trump recover? The data suggests a structural decline. Pessimism on Iran and the economy shows no sign of abating. The base is disillusioned but not yet broken — but if approval stays in the 30s through the fall, the 2026 midterms could become a referendum on his leadership.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is Trump’s current approval rating according to the latest polls?
- A: The YouGov/Economist poll shows 39% approve versus 58% disapprove, while a USA TODAY survey places his approval in the mid-30s, near record lows.
- Q: Why is Trump’s base showing cracks in loyalty?
- A: Key factors include his handling of Iran (62% disapprove) and the economy (57% disapprove), along with declining personal qualities ratings like honesty and empathy.
- Q: How are independent voters responding to Trump’s performance?
- A: 68% of independents now disapprove of Trump’s job performance, according to the YouGov poll, driven by concerns over Iran tensions and economic instability.
- Q: What demographic shift is notable in Trump’s approval?
- A: Among voters aged 65 and older—a traditionally Republican-leaning group—approval drops to 33%, signaling erosion in a key base segment.
Extended Reading
For detailed poll methodology and full crosstabs, refer to YouGov’s July 17–20 dataset, USA TODAY’s July 21 report, and the Washington Post/Ipsos poll published July 16, 2026.