President Donald Trump's overall and economic approval ratings saw significant declines in the latest CNBC All-America Economic Survey, attributed to dissatisfaction over the Iran conflict, high gas prices, and the general economic climate.
Overall Approval Ratings Decline
The survey of 1,000 Americans revealed that 40% approve of the president's job performance, marking a five-point drop from the previous quarter, while 58% disapprove, an increase of six points. This resulted in a net approval rating of -18, representing the lowest figure recorded during his two terms.
Key shifts in support included:
- Democrats and Independents: Both groups saw their net approval ratings hit record lows.
- Republicans: The decline was notable, dropping 17 points. Approval fell 8 points, while disapproval rose 9 points.
- MAGA Voters: Core supporters remained highly supportive, registering 96% approval.
- Non-MAGA Republicans: Support declined by 19 points, reaching 60%.
Public Opinion Strategies pollster Micah Roberts noted that despite the drops, the core MAGA base remained strongly supportive, suggesting the shift was not alarmingly large for the base.
Economic Approval Slump
On the economic front, Trump's approval rating dropped to a net margin of -21 (39% approval to 60% disapproval), a 10-point decline and the lowest net economic approval in any CNBC poll during his tenure.
Constituency-specific declines included:
- Independents and Latinos: Both groups saw their approval ratings fall by 9 points.
- Non-College White Americans: Approval dropped by 7 points.
- Non-MAGA Republicans: Approval fell to 55% from 69% in the prior quarter.
- MAGA Support: This group remained relatively stable, dropping only 3 points to 92%.
Jay Campbell, a Democratic pollster for the survey, suggested that reversing these trends before the mid-terms would be challenging.
Views on the Iran Conflict
Public sentiment regarding the war with Iran showed widespread disapproval of the administration's handling of the military action.
- Safety Concerns: A plurality of 48% of Americans stated they feel "less safe" due to the war, compared to 30% who feel more safe.
- Party Lines: Democrats were more likely to feel less safe (78%) compared to Republicans (60% feeling more safe).
- Cost Assessment: A majority (64%) stated the war is not worth the financial cost or the increase in gasoline prices.
While a majority (53% to 44%) deemed the war worthwhile to disrupt Iran's nuclear development, key groups like Latinos, young men, and independents expressed deep negativity regarding the conflict.
Other Policy Areas
Americans generally disapprove of Trump's handling of inflation and tariffs. Conversely, securing the southern border was the only issue with positive approval, garnering support from 51% to 46% of respondents.
