Trump Approval Falls to 37% as Republican Economic Optimism Drops to 27%
Updated
Updated · The Daily Beast · Jul 8
Trump Approval Falls to 37% as Republican Economic Optimism Drops to 27%
3 articles · Updated · The Daily Beast · Jul 8
Summary
A new Harris Poll found just 27% of Republicans now say the economy is moving in a positive direction, down from 49% in February, while 38% say it is getting worse.
Gas prices nearing $5 a gallon and rising grocery costs drove the slide, after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted about one-fifth of global oil supply and worsened fertilizer shortages.
Confidence weakened beyond the GOP: 63% of independents and 71% of Democrats said the economy is on the wrong track, while 95% of Americans reported an affordability crisis and two-thirds said Washington will not solve it.
Trump’s standing has also sagged, with CNN’s mid-June poll-of-polls showing 37% approval, as the U.S. added only 57,000 jobs in June versus 115,000 forecast and rural Americans reported worsening job prospects.
The erosion in economic sentiment lands months before the midterms, when Republicans hold narrow House and Senate margins and face forecasts of Democratic gains.
Why do many Americans feel poor when some economic indicators appear strong?
Will AI help solve the labor slowdown or just increase job insecurity?
Can domestic affordability solutions work while global conflicts continue to raise prices?
2026 Affordability Crisis: How the Iran War and Inflation Drove 95% of Americans to Economic Pessimism
Overview
As of July 2026, the United States faces a deepening affordability crisis, with 95% of Americans saying they are struggling to keep up with rising costs. Most people feel the economy is getting worse, and many report their personal finances are declining. Everyday essentials like groceries and gas have become harder to afford for about half of Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Debt management, including student loans, is also a major challenge. This widespread financial strain has led to declining optimism and a lack of confidence in political solutions, shaping both public sentiment and the national mood.