Trump Faces Falling Approval Ratings Amid Criticism of Policy Decisions

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has reached a record low in Big Data Poll’s recent survey, known for historically favorable numbers for him. This drop reflects heightened voter discontent with his handling of the economy, living costs, and foreign policy.

The survey, conducted from May 24 to 27, involved 3,121 registered voters. Results showed that 39.4% of respondents approved of Trump’s performance, with 19.9% strongly approving. Big Data Poll noted this marks a “new low for the president during his second term,” dipping into the 30s for the first time.

Despite a history of Trump outperforming poll expectations in past elections, this report from Big Data Poll, a consistently supportive source, indicates growing dissatisfaction beyond usual critics.

Shift in Support

Rich Baris, the firm’s director, traditionally supported Trump but became more critical during this term, notably over issues involving support for Israel and actions in Iran. Last June, Baris warned that deeper U.S. involvement with Iran could spell trouble for Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda.

“After a year of granting significant political leniency, Republicans have created significant problems by ignoring warnings from voters,” Baris said in May’s report.

The May survey highlights a deepening divide within the MAGA movement, showing increasing disapproval on economic and foreign policy matters, including handling issues related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle responded by emphasizing Trump’s decisive election victory and achievements, asserting, “No other President in history has accomplished more for the American people” while citing his efforts on job creation and inflation management.

Approval Rating Details

Trump’s approval rating slid from 44.8% in January to 39.4% in May, further dropping from 55.5% when he re-entered office the previous year. Now, 57.4% of registered voters disapprove of his job performance, with 46.2% expressing strong disapproval.

Big Data Poll’s “intensity index,” showing strong approval minus strong disapproval rates, registered at -26.3, the firm’s largest negative gap ever.

Trump’s ratings were negative across all individual issues tested, with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8% for registered voters and 1.7% for likely voters.

On economic issues, 38.5% approved while 56.9% disapproved, leaving Trump’s figure 18.4 points “underwater” compared to his 46.8% approval and 49.2% disapproval in January.

Concerning living costs, only 29% approved against 66.5% who disapproved, worsening from January’s 38.5% approval and 48.6% disapproval.

Handling Iran’s situation drew disapproval from 58.3% of respondents, versus a 33.7% approval rate, contrasting with January’s narrower gap of 48.3% disapprove and 38.6% approve.

Support for U.S. military action in Iran was low, with 36.5% in favor and 53.4% opposed.

Political Implications

Baris noted voters’ dwindling patience with the administration and main party, citing increasing trust in Democrats on key voting issues like the economy, living costs, and foreign policy. However, Republicans held slight trust advantages over Democrats in areas of immigration and border security, with 42% siding with Republicans versus 39.1% for Democrats.

Prominent MAGA figures, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and Megyn Kelly, have separated from Trump, voicing opposition to his foreign engagements and support for Israel as detracting from his “America First” agenda.

Recently, Kentucky’s Republican Representative Thomas Massie’s primary fight highlighted intra-party divisions. Massie, at odds with Trump on issues like Epstein and Iran, faced stiff criticism but found allies among libertarians and isolationists. Ultimately, Trump-endorsed Ed Gallrein defeated Massie, underscoring Trump’s continued electoral influence despite plummeting approval ratings.