Two recent nationwide surveys show President Donald Trump sinking to the lowest approval levels of his political career. The American Research Group (ARG) poll, conducted September 16-20 among 1,100 adults, recorded a 29 percent Both numbers sit under the 30 percent threshold that has not been reached by a sitting president since George W. Bush’s decline in late 2008.
ARG poll highlights deep dissatisfaction with the economy
The ARG study revealed that 68 percent of respondents disapproved of Trump’s performance, a rise of two points from the previous month. Only 1 percent of Democrats surveyed expressed approval, compared with 65 percent of Republicans and 26 percent of independents. When asked about the state of the U.S. economy, a striking 72 percent believed conditions were worsening, citing soaring gas and grocery prices. Positive views on the economy were a mere 26 percent. Fewer than one-fifth of respondents felt their household finances were improving, while three-quarters described them as deteriorating.
Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Republican backing eroding amid Iran war
The Reuters/Ipsos online survey of 1,277 adults (margin of error ±3 points) painted a similar picture. Support among Republican respondents fell sharply, from 82 percent** to **73 percent**, marking the first time more Republicans disapproved of Trump’s handling of the cost-of-living than approved. Just 17 percent** of those surveyed approved of his approach to inflation, while **51 percent** of Republicans expressed disapproval. Approval of the ongoing strikes against Iran stood at 34 percent and a substantial 82 percent** of voters—across party lines—expected the conflict to persist for an extended period.
Historical context and comparative ratings
Gallup’s long-term tracking indicates the last sub-30 percent presidential approval occurred during the 2008 financial crisis, when public confidence in President Bush eroded rapidly. By contrast, former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden maintained average approval levels of roughly 48 percent and 42 percent**, respectively. Trump’s own average across his two terms hovers around 41 percent**; he left office the first time with about 34 percent** support. The current dip therefore represents a regression to the lowest point of his political tenure.
Economic pressures and foreign policy shape voter sentiment
Multiple polls released this month underscore the centrality of inflation and the Iran war in voters’ calculus. An NBC News poll found that 55 percent** of respondents blamed Trump’s policies for a weaker economy, while a Fox News survey recorded less than a quarter of voters viewing the economy positively. The Department of Labor’s August inflation report showed a year-over-year consumer-price increase of 3.4 percent reinforcing the perception of a stagnant purchasing power.
President Trump has repeatedly portrayed the economy as “strong,” with White House adviser Kevin Hassett asserting that prices are falling. Yet the data suggest a widening gap between administration messaging and public perception, especially as gasoline and diesel prices climb amid the escalating Iran conflict.
Political ramifications ahead of the midterms
With the November midterm elections looming, Trump has urged Republicans to treat the contests as if he were on the ballot. Vice President JD Vance is touring key battleground states, urging voters to grant the administration another chance to fulfill its 2024 promises. However, a recent CBS News poll indicated that 48 percent of participants would reconsider their vote if they knew a candidate had Trump’s endorsement. Democrats currently lead the projected congressional control race, holding a 43 percent advantage over Republicans’ 35 percent in the same Reuters/Ipsos poll.
Whether the administration’s messaging can reverse the trend remains uncertain. The combination of rising living costs, a protracted conflict in the Middle East, and eroding party unity signals a challenging road ahead for the president and his allies.
