Trump's Approval Rating Drops Significantly, According to Leading Pollster

Former President Donald Trump's approval rating has taken a notable dive, according to AtlasIntel, a polling company recognized for its accuracy in political forecasting. A poll conducted by AtlasIntel between March 7 and March 12 among 2,550 respondents found that Trump's approval rating now stands at 47 percent, with 52 percent of respondents disapproving of his job performance.

This marks a decline from earlier polls conducted by AtlasIntel in January and February, where 50 percent of respondents expressed approval and 50 percent expressed disapproval of his performance.

AtlasIntel has established itself as one of the most accurate polling companies, particularly in the 2024 election cycle, and is often regarded by political analysts, including Nate Silver, as an exceptionally reliable source of polling data. The current shift in Trump’s approval rating signals potential changes in the political landscape as the former president continues to navigate his second term and prepares for future policy battles.

Trump's approval rating serves as an essential gauge of his political influence and power, especially as he heads into future elections. A drop in his approval could have far-reaching effects on his support within the Republican Party and his ability to push through his agenda.

It may also influence how other lawmakers and political figures respond to his initiatives as the country heads toward the 2024 election cycle.

The most recent data from Newsweek’s poll tracker reflects a similar decline in Trump's popularity. The 10 most recent polls have shown that Trump's approval rating stands at 47 percent, while his disapproval rate has reached 50 percent, placing him at a net disapproval of -3 points.

This marks a significant shift compared to March 14 when Trump’s approval had dipped into negative territory for the first time, with a disapproval rate exceeding his approval rate.

These numbers, alongside other recent polls, suggest that Trump’s popularity is eroding. His approval rating, which had briefly risen to 49 percent on March 6, is now teetering at a lower figure, reflecting the challenges he faces in maintaining widespread public support.

The decline in Trump’s approval rating appears to be strongly correlated with his handling of economic issues, which remain a focal point for many American voters. A recent NBC News poll revealed that more than half of voters (54 percent) disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, with only 44 percent expressing approval.

This sentiment is further confirmed by the rising dissatisfaction with his management of inflation and the cost of living, as 55 percent of respondents disapproved of how Trump is addressing these critical issues.

The same polling data indicates that voters have become increasingly dissatisfied with the economic outlook. The majority of Americans now view the economy negatively, with 43 percent describing it as being in a poor state. Inflation has become a key issue, with voters citing the rising cost of goods as a primary concern.

While only 18 percent of respondents consider the economy to be in a "good" or "excellent" state, a growing number of individuals—roughly 54 percent—see the economy as "bad."

Trump's handling of inflation has also come under scrutiny, with many Americans blaming him for rising costs, particularly in the context of his aggressive tariff policies. Recent surveys show that 53 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s tariff strategy, which many believe has caused market instability and exacerbated inflationary pressures.

Despite these growing concerns, the tariffs continue to be part of Trump’s economic approach, which is contributing to the ongoing dissatisfaction among voters.

Several other polls conducted in March reflect a similar trend. The latest YouGov/Economist poll, conducted from March 9 to March 11, found that Trump’s disapproval rating had increased to 47 percent from 45 percent in February. This poll also indicated a slight dip in his approval rating, which decreased from 48 percent to 47 percent.

Similarly, an Emerson College poll conducted between March 8 and March 10 found Trump’s approval at 47 percent, with 45 percent disapproving of his job performance. This marked a decline from earlier in the month when his approval had been higher.

In Quinnipiac University’s most recent poll, conducted from March 6 to March 10, Trump’s approval rating dropped to 42 percent, a significant decline from 45 percent in February. The same poll showed a sharp increase in disapproval, with 53 percent of respondents now expressing dissatisfaction with his job performance.

The widespread dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of the economy is evident in these polls, as voters consistently express discontent over inflation, tariffs, and the overall economic trajectory under his leadership. The significant drop in his approval ratings is closely linked to these economic concerns, which remain top priorities for many Americans.

One of the key factors contributing to Trump’s declining approval rating is his approach to tariffs and trade policies. A poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos between March 11 and March 12 revealed that 57 percent of Americans think Trump’s economic policies, particularly his aggressive tariffs on goods from countries like China, Mexico, and Canada, have been too erratic.

This includes concerns about the impact of his tariff strategy on the U.S. economy, particularly on the stock market and consumer prices.

Trump’s tariff policies have been controversial, and experts have warned that they could lead to higher inflation, with some estimates predicting a 1 percent rise in inflation as a result. Critics argue that the tariffs are squeezing U.S. company profits and provoking retaliatory actions from other countries.

Canada, for example, has already announced billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs.

Despite these concerns, Trump has continued with his plans to impose additional tariffs, a move that many fear will further increase costs for consumers. According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll, 70 percent of respondents, including a significant portion of both Democrats and Republicans, expressed concerns that higher tariffs will make everyday goods more expensive, further fueling dissatisfaction with his economic policies.

Trump’s approval rating of 47 percent is significantly lower than the approval rating of his successor, President Joe Biden, at the same point in his presidency. On March 18, 2021, Biden had a 54 percent approval rating and a 42 percent disapproval rating, according to RealClearPolitics.

In contrast, Trump’s approval rating at the start of his presidency was notably lower, with his initial approval hovering at 47 percent. Gallup’s first poll during Trump’s second term showed a similarly low approval rating, marking the beginning of his presidency as one of the least popular in recent history.

Trump’s approval rating now stands at a net negative, reflecting the challenges he faces in regaining the support he initially enjoyed at the start of his second term. Despite this, his approval rating is still higher than it was at the same point during his first term, when it was at 44 percent.

As Trump continues to navigate his second presidential term, his approval rating will likely fluctuate depending on key events. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, his trade and tariff policies, and concerns about a potential recession in the U.S. could all influence his standing with the American public.

It is clear, however, that the economic challenges faced by many Americans, combined with dissatisfaction with his handling of inflation and tariffs, are significant factors in his declining approval ratings. Whether Trump can regain the support of voters in the coming months will depend largely on his ability to address these key issues effectively.