Trump Faces Low Approval Ratings Among Women on Economy
President Donald Trump’s approval rating on the economy among women has reached a new low. A recent CBS News Battleground Tracker poll reveals that slightly over a quarter of women approve of the president’s economic management. Newsweek attempted to get comments from the White House by email. The poll, conducted from September 8-11 with 2,460 U.S. adults, occurred as Trump and Republicans aim to keep congressional majorities in the upcoming November midterms. Trump emphasized his role in the campaigns, stating at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, “Pretend that I’m on the ballot. I’m on the ballot, just one more time.”
The economy remains a crucial issue for U.S. voters. Trump often claims his administration’s policies have boosted financial conditions for Americans. Yet, the decline in support among women presents a challenge for Trump and the GOP. Women, historically a weaker demographic for Trump, generally lean Democratic. Pew Research Center’s survey shows 52 percent of women lean Democrat, compared to 38 percent who lean Republican.
Decreasing confidence in Trump’s economic and inflation management might pose difficulties for Republicans in key House and Senate races. With all 435 House seats and 33 Senate seats contested in November, losing a Republican majority in either chamber could alter the trajectory of Trump’s presidency.
Key Findings
The CBS survey indicates that only 27 percent of female respondents approve of Trump’s economic management, a decrease of five percentage points since a July poll. Approval for his handling of inflation decreased to 22 percent, down by three points. This approval gap is significant as economic management was traditionally perceived as Trump’s strength with voters.
These results occur amid broader voter concerns about economic health and affordability due to international tensions, such as the conflict in Iran. A Financial Times and Focaldata poll reported Trump’s overall economic approval at a new low, with only 33 percent of registered voters approving—a decline of three points from the previous month and the lowest since the series began in May.
Among women, Trump’s overall approval has continued to fall since July. Only 33 percent of female respondents approve of his job performance, while 67 percent disapprove. Earlier CBS News results from July 22-24 showed a 36 percent approval among women.
Approval Rating Analysis
CNN’s Poll of Polls puts Trump at 35 percent approval and 63 percent disapproval from a combination of six national surveys between July 22 and August 31. These surveys included sources like Reuters/Ipsos and Marquette Law School. RealClearPolling reflected a slightly higher average from August 16 to September 8, showing a 39.5 percent approval, still leaving the president with low approval ratings as the midterms approach.
White House’s Stance on Approval Ratings
The White House has downplayed Trump’s low approval ratings. Spokesperson Davis Ingle informed Newsweek that the nearly 80 million Americans who voted for Trump gave him a mandate for his agenda. Ingle argued, “No other President in history has accomplished more for the American people than President Trump, who is working tirelessly to create jobs, cool inflation, increase housing affordability, and more.”
Contact for this story: Matthew Cannon and Sam Wilson at Newsweek.