Decline in Trump’s Approval Among White Voters
Falling Support Among White Voters
President Donald Trump’s approval rating among white voters has declined, with ActiVote polling indicating a drop of 7 percentage points since the summer’s start. Surveys reveal weakening views of the president among a demographic crucial to his electoral success.
In June, ActiVote reported that white respondents were nearly evenly split on Trump’s job performance with 47 percent approving and 49 percent disapproving. By July, approval had decreased to 39 percent, while disapproval increased to 54 percent. The August poll from ActiVote showed similar figures, with 40 percent approval and 54 percent disapproval.
The August survey included responses from 1,000 ActiVote users between August 1 and August 31. Participants rated Trump using a five-star system that ActiVote converted into traditional approval percentages. The July poll consulted 767 respondents, and the June poll involved 478 respondents.
Historical Context of White Voter Support
The shift is notable among a group that has historically been supportive of Trump. According to Pew Research Center, 55 percent of white voters endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential election. White voters comprised 71 percent of the 2024 electorate.
Trump’s diminishing approval among white voters coincides with an overall dip in his national approval ratings. An Economist/YouGov poll conducted from August 28-31 showed that 36 percent of Americans approved of Trump, while 60 percent disapproved. Similarly, a Quinnipiac University poll from July 23-27 found that his approval rating was at its lowest in his second term.
This polling comes amid economic concerns and dissatisfaction regarding the situation in Iran. The Quinnipiac survey showed 60 percent of voters opposed U.S. military actions in Iran, while 49 percent felt financially worse off than the previous year.
Insights from Other Polls
The Economist/YouGov poll from July 25-27 indicated Trump’s net approval among white Americans had fallen to minus 14, marking a new low. Among white Americans without college degrees, 43 percent approved of him, while 52 percent disapproved. YouGov stated Trump’s net approval among this demographic was -6, a decline from plus 27 earlier in his second term.
In August, his standing among white Americans dropped further. An Economist/YouGov poll conducted August 7-10 showed his net approval rating at minus 19, the lowest recorded for him among this group.
Potential Impact on Midterm Elections
White voters have consistently supported Trump throughout his campaigns, winning substantial backing in previous elections according to Pew Research Center. Although Trump won’t appear on the ballot in November, his recent numbers could influence Republican turnout and support.
D. Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, noted that the Republican base alone often doesn’t assure victory in general elections. Candidates need backing from less consistent Republican voters and independents.
“President Trump’s low numbers will challenge Republican candidates,” Voss stated. “The unique aspect is Trump’s loss of support from less conventional voters, particularly in rural areas and among non-college-educated white voters. If sustained, this could hurt Republicans in long-held districts.”
Trump’s Strong Republican Support
An Emerson College poll from August 16-17 found that Trump’s approval rating was 86 percent among Republicans. Overall, 40 percent of likely voters approved, while 56 percent disapproved.
Economist/YouGov polling from August 14-17 showed 80 percent of Republicans approved of Trump. Support was even stronger among Republicans identifying as MAGA supporters, with a 95 percent approval rate.
Trump’s Response to Polling Data
Trump has criticized polls showing his approval rating drop. On August 30, he challenged recent polls in a Truth Social post.
“THE FAKE POLLS USED BY OUR CROOKED MEDIA ARE OUT OF CONTROL, AND SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT IT. FCC TO THE RESCUE! President DJT,” Trump wrote.
A White House representative directed Newsweek to this statement for comments on recent polling.
On August 24, Trump similarly condemned polling, accusing Democrats of manipulating polls to demoralize Republicans. He claimed that actual polls were favorable and praised national spirit.