Trump Faces Declining Approval Among Republicans Amid Economic Concerns
President Donald Trump’s net approval rating among Republicans has fallen by 8 percentage points over the past month, as revealed by a new Financial Times/Focaldata poll. This decline highlights growing frustration among GOP voters regarding economic conditions and rising living costs. More than 53 percent of registered voters believe they are financially worse off since Trump resumed office in January 2025. This sentiment is shared by nearly 57 percent of independents and almost a quarter of Republicans.
Trump Approval Among Republicans
Conducted from August 7 to 10 among 1,913 registered voters, the survey reported that 55 percent disapprove of Trump’s performance as president. Among Republicans, the net approval rating decreased by 8 percentage points compared to the previous month.
The findings come as Republicans prepare for the midterm elections, attempting to defend their congressional majorities while the White House emphasizes Trump’s economic accomplishments. The survey also indicates voters are more inclined to trust Democrats over Republicans on critical economic issues like inflation, cost of living, and jobs.
“The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.”
Economic Concerns Persist
Economic issues are pivotal concerns for voters as the November elections approach. Republicans face increasing dissatisfaction with inflation and household expenses. The latest survey is not the first indication of economic unease among Republicans.
A Pew Research Center poll in July showed that 28 percent of Republicans believe Trump’s policies worsened economic conditions, up from 18 percent in January. Additionally, 19 percent expected deterioration in the economy over the next year, although 69 percent still approved of Trump’s performance.
Other recent polls echo voter frustration over inflation. A YouGov/Economist survey from late July to early August found only 30 percent approved of Trump’s economic handling, with 65 percent disapproving. On inflation, just 25 percent thought he managed rising prices well, while 69 percent disapproved.
The Financial Times/Focaldata poll reflected similar concerns, with 64 percent disapproving of Trump’s inflation handling, including nearly 70 percent of independents and about a third of Republicans. Nearly two-thirds of respondents felt the economy was moving in the wrong direction.
Republican Faults Trump Economic Message
Speaking on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Representative Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, criticized Trump’s communication regarding voter economic struggles. Bacon noted Trump’s failure to effectively express understanding of these issues.
“He doesn’t communicate it well,” Bacon commented when asked whether Trump understood financial pain experienced by Americans.
Bacon also criticized Trump’s tariff policies, indicating they add to consumer costs. “Tariffs have hurt inflation,” he said, describing tariffs as a consumer tax.
Additionally, Trump asked voters to endure higher fuel costs associated with the Iran war during a recent rally, emphasizing that this effort deters Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
White House Defends Record
White House spokesman Kush Desai countered the negative poll results, highlighting the administration’s alleged accomplishments.
“The Trump administration continues to deliver on the President’s affordability agenda by lowering drug prices, reshoring American jobs, and cutting taxes,” Desai stated.
Desai also mentioned a historic drop in violent crime and securing borders as indicators of policy success. Furthermore, administrative officials argue that many economic challenges stem from President Joe Biden’s term.
Midterms Draw Closer
As the midterm elections approach, Democrats hold a 44 percent to 39 percent lead in voter support per the Financial Times/Focaldata survey. Recent data revealed a 3.4 percent inflation rate in July, coupled with declining consumer sentiment and real wages.
The poll suggests Republicans face a challenging task of advocating for Trump’s record while addressing voter concerns about affordability.