Politics
Trump Approval Collapses to Historic Low
By Jake Beardslee · March 24, 2026
A new national poll shows Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to one of its lowest level on record, reflecting mounting voter dissatisfaction as economic strain and geopolitical tensions intensify ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The survey, conducted by media outlet The Argument between March 12 and March 17, 2026, included 1,519 registered voters nationwide and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percent. It found that 40 percent of respondents approve of Trump’s job performance, while 58 percent disapprove, producing a net approval rating of -18—the worst result in the outlet’s polling history and a new low across both of Trump’s presidencies.
The findings point to widespread economic frustration as the primary driver of the decline. Large majorities of voters say the cost of living continues to outpace wages, leaving households under pressure despite campaign promises of relief. Only 31 percent of respondents said their income is keeping up with rising costs, while 65 percent said it is not. More voters also reported being worse off financially than a year ago, with 36 percent saying their situation has deteriorated compared to 24 percent who said it has improved.
The ongoing conflict with Iran appears to have compounded these concerns, contributing to an oil shock that has driven gas prices higher nationwide and deepened unease about affordability. Despite this, a White House official previously told Newsweek that polling indicates Trump’s decision to launch Operation Epic Fury is supported by a plurality of Americans, particularly among Republican voters and the MAGA base.
The poll also suggests a shifting political landscape. Democrats now hold a nine-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot, marking a sharp reversal from the period during former President Joe Biden’s administration, when Republicans enjoyed a significant edge on economic issues. Notably, Trump is now viewed negatively on economic stewardship across all major demographic groups, including white non-college voters, a bloc that strongly supported him in the 2024 election.
Administration officials have pushed back on the significance of the polling. White House spokesman Davis Ingle reportedly told Newsweek: “The ultimate poll was November 5, 2024, when nearly 80 million Americans overwhelmingly elected President Trump to deliver on his popular and common-sense agenda.”
He added: “The president has already made historic progress not only in America, but around the world. It is not surprising that President Trump remains the most dominant figure in American politics.”
Trump also defended his approach to the conflict, arguing that economic concerns would ultimately ease. “When this is over, oil prices are going to go down very, very rapidly. So is inflation. So is everything else,” he said.
“But frankly, much more important than short-term or even long-term oil prices: You cannot let the most violent, vicious country in the last 50 years have a nuclear weapon because the Middle East will be gone. Israel will go first, without question, and they will certainly take a shot at us.”
Outside analysts say the numbers reflect a broader erosion of confidence, particularly among independent voters. Brett Loyd, a polling and research specialist for the Independent Center, told Newsweek: “Independents are pragmatic when it comes to politics—they’re going to study an issue and decide for themselves, not just do what they’re told. In that regard, this isn’t just about a spike in inflation or a bad week at the border; it’s a cumulative judgment on stability. When you focus on base-energizing stunts instead of boring, durable governance, you eventually lose the people who actually have to live with the fallout.”