Once praised as his forte, Americans’ confidence in President Donald Trump’s ability to handle the U.S. economy has taken a nosedive.
Coming just months after his return to the White House, this startling shift poses significant issues for his administration’s ability to navigate economic challenges.
According to recent polls, most Americans now express little or no confidence in how President Trump is managing the economy.
The massive shift highlights a vulnerability in an area previously considered one of his political strengths.
The Pew Research Center found that the disapproval stems largely from the president’s tariffs, which nearly 6 in 10 Americans oppose.
Specifically, the research center puts the president’s approval at 40% while his disapproval stands at 59%
Although President Trump retains the unwavering support of his core base, he has struggled to convince the broader American public of his economic credentials.
Despite assurances and attempts to ease economic tensions, such as pausing tariffs and engaging in negotiations with China, his efforts have yet to reverse declining approval ratings.
While President Trump’s approval among strong supporters remains at a consistent 96%, approval ratings among less staunch supporters have dropped significantly.
President Trump job approval
Approve: 40%
Disapprove: 59%(Pew Research) pic.twitter.com/dQC8gkhquJ
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) April 23, 2025
The divide between the president’s core supporters and the rest of the nation’s attitude towards his economic policies cannot be ignored.
The stock market’s recent volatility further reflects investor uncertainty and economic worries.
This shift in market attitude coincides with a decrease in confidence regarding President Trump’s economic management.
According to a CNBC survey, only 43% approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, his lowest mark to date.
Economic concerns continue to dominate discussions. Interestingly, the stark divide between party lines manifests in economic approval.
80% of Republicans expressed confidence in President Trump’s economic decisions, compared to just 11% of Democrats.
As President Trump navigates these turbulent political and economic waters, the path forward remains uncertain.
While Democrats have yet to substantially benefit from President Trump’s challenges, understanding voters’ priorities and addressing their economic concerns directly will be crucial for Republicans heading into next year’s midterm elections.
