Independent Voter Approval of President Trump at Record Low

President Donald Trump’s support among independent voters has seen a significant decline, as indicated by several national polls showing his approval at a historical low. This change in sentiment among independents could have major consequences for upcoming elections, especially in closely contested House and Senate races as we approach 2026.

Current Polling Data

Recent tracking by Civiqs reveals Trump’s approval among independents is now at 30 percent, with disapproval at 63 percent, resulting in a net approval of -33. At the beginning of his second term, this net approval stood at -5, indicating a 38-point negative shift.

The Economist/YouGov poll conducted between May 29 and June 1 reports an all-time low in independents’ net approval of Trump at -50. This is a significant drop of 46 points from early 2025.

Data from PRRI shows independent voter favorability towards Trump decreased from 35 percent in early 2025 to 25 percent in May 2026.

According to an AP-NORC analysis, support for Trump among independents has fallen to about a quarter, down from approximately four in ten during the 2024 election period.

Polling Trends

These multiple polls point to a consistent downward trend in Trump’s approval among independents. The largest dataset from Civiqs, based on over 110,000 responses, emphasizes a sustained decline rather than short-term changes.

The Economist/YouGov series also reports steady erosion in Trump’s support, with a dramatic 46-point drop among independents over a span of 16 months. AP-NORC’s analysis, using a combined sample of 4,836 independents, further highlights the decline.

Analyzing the Decline

Independents without a college degree, who were once more supportive of Trump, have seen their support decrease from around half at election time to about one-quarter. Other demographic groups display a similar pattern of decreased favorability.

PRRI data shows the favorability of Trump among independents dropped by 10 points within a year, confirming a steady negative trend.

Convergence Across Polls

The consistent findings across various pollsters using differing methodologies reinforce the credibility of this shift. From rolling tracking to aggregated datasets, the decline is evident.

White House Response

The White House emphasizes Trump’s 2024 election victory as the “ultimate poll.” Spokesperson Davis Ingle highlights the president’s achievements in creating jobs, reducing inflation, and improving housing. The administration remains optimistic about continuing their agenda.

Future Implications

The continuation of this trend may hinge on upcoming political and economic developments. Issues like inflation and economic conditions are likely affecting public perceptions of Trump’s performance.

With midterm elections on the horizon, the significant shift in independent voters’ opinions could have a substantial impact on the outcomes of tightly contested races.