Trump approval falls to second-term low and personal ratings slip
Updated
Updated · Pew Research Center · May 1
Trump approval falls to second-term low and personal ratings slip
6 articles · Updated · Pew Research Center · May 1
A Pew survey of 5,103 US adults on 20-26 April put his job approval at 34%, with 38% saying he keeps promises and 44% calling him mentally sharp.
Confidence also fell on immigration, military force and foreign policy, while Republican support softened: 68% approve overall, and approval among his 2024 voters dropped to 78%.
Most Americans say ethics in federal government have worsened under Trump, and half oppose naming government buildings after him; Reuters/Ipsos also recently recorded a 34% approval rating.
What fundamental economic and social shifts are driving the historic drop in political support among young Americans?
How will the Supreme Court's new voting rights standard affect community representation and local governance in the coming decade?
Beyond gas prices, how might the ongoing Hormuz blockade permanently reshape global supply chains for essential goods like food and fertilizer?
Trump Assassination Attempt and Economic Turmoil Fuel Deep Divides Ahead of 2026 Midterms
Overview
On April 25, 2026, Cole Tomas Allen attempted to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, but security personnel quickly stopped him, preventing a massacre and prompting bipartisan condemnation. At the time, Trump faced low approval ratings around 39%. His administration's economic policies, including tariffs and cuts to renewable energy tax credits, combined with the Iran war's impact on oil prices and mortgage rates, caused significant financial strain for American households. This strain deepened partisan divides, with Republicans more optimistic about the war and their finances than Democrats. Facing historical midterm challenges linked to low approval and economic pain, Republicans crafted a strategy focused on mobilizing their base and attacking Democrats to counter growing headwinds.