Trump’s Economic Approval Hits New Low as Prices Stay High

Most Americans blame President Donald Trump’s policies for persistently high prices, while his approval rating on the economy has fallen to a new low, according to a new AP-NORC poll.

Only 17% of US adults approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while 26% approve of his handling of the economy overall, according to the poll conducted September 24–28. The nationwide survey included 2,140 adults and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.

Overall, 65% of Americans say higher-than-usual prices are primarily the result of Trump’s policies rather than factors beyond his control. Among Republicans, however, 67% say factors outside the president’s control are more responsible for high prices.

The findings come as Americans express growing concern about the affordability of everyday necessities, including groceries and gasoline. About half of US adults say they are extremely or very concerned about being able to afford fuel, up from 39% in July. A similar share express serious concern about being able to afford food.

Trump’s approval rating on the economy has fallen 14 percentage points since March 2025, shortly after he began his second term. Economic issues were often a relative strength for Trump during his first term.

About 69% of Americans say Trump’s handling of the cost of living has been worse than expected, including 52% of Republicans. About six in 10 Republicans also disapprove of his handling of living costs.

The poll also found widespread dissatisfaction with Trump’s trade policies. About 68% of Americans disapprove of his handling of trade negotiations with other countries, while 64% say his imposition of new tariffs has gone too far.

Views on the war with Iran are similarly negative. Seventy-one percent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of Iran, while 69% say the war has not been worth fighting. Only 28% approve of his handling of the issue.

Overall, 31% of US adults approve of Trump’s performance as president, compared with 69% who disapprove. The poll also found that 73% believe the country is heading in the wrong direction.

Trump retains comparatively stronger public approval on immigration, with 39% approving of his handling of the issue.

The poll also highlights a contrast with public perceptions of President Joe Biden during the 2022 midterm election period. In October 2022, 44% of Americans said Biden’s policies were responsible for high prices, while 55% attributed them to factors outside his control.

The latest findings come ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections, as Trump and other Republicans campaign across the country.