Sharp Drop Signals Mounting Pressure (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Washington — A fresh AP-NORC poll captured a notable erosion in public confidence in President Donald Trump’s economic stewardship, coinciding with prolonged conflict in Iran and surging energy costs. Conducted amid volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, the survey highlighted unfulfilled pledges on inflation and affordability that once defined his campaign. These developments raised fresh concerns for Republicans eyeing midterm battles.[1][2]
Sharp Drop Signals Mounting Pressure
The latest AP-NORC poll, fielded April 16-20 among 2,596 adults, pegged Trump’s economy approval at 30 percent, down eight points from March. Overall job approval slipped to 33 percent, matching a subtle but steady decline. Respondents pointed to the Iran war, initiated with a U.S. strike in February, as a key disruptor driving gasoline prices higher.[1]
Approval on Iran leadership held steady at 32 percent, yet the economic fallout proved more damaging. Trump dismissed the conflict as a “little journey” during a CNBC interview, expressing surprise that oil prices reached only $90 per barrel rather than the $200 he anticipated. Such remarks underscored a disconnect as consumers grappled with a 35 percent oil price surge.[2]
Cost of Living Emerges as Weak Spot
Only about one-quarter of Americans approved of Trump’s handling of living costs, a stark indicator of discontent. The consumer price index rose 3.3 percent in March year-over-year, exceeding the roughly three percent rate Trump inherited last year. Tariffs and war-related disruptions slowed hiring, contradicting earlier boasts of a “golden age.”[1]
Kathryn Bright, a 60-year-old retired U.S. Air Force captain from Colorado, voiced regret over her support. “I feel disgusted with myself, I feel betrayed, like he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” she said. Her initial attraction to promises of veteran support and lower costs faded amid persistent inflation.[2]
Republican Support Wanes Notably
Even among Republicans, enthusiasm cooled, with 62 percent approving of economic handling compared to 74 percent last month. Half backed his cost-of-living approach, a vulnerability exposed further among younger party members. About six in 10 Republicans under 45 disapproved of cost management, versus four in 10 older ones.[1]
MAGA adherents remained loyal, with nine in 10 approving overall performance and seven in 10 on costs. Non-MAGA Republicans lagged at 44 percent job approval. Independents offered scant support, with two in 10 endorsing economic efforts, down from three in 10 previously. Strong Republican approval dropped to 38 percent from 51 percent in March 2025.[2]
Growing Pessimism Defines Economic Outlook
Three-quarters of adults now viewed the economy as “very” or “somewhat” poor, up from two-thirds in February. Financial markets swung wildly on shifting Trump statements about Iran peace or escalation. Everyday Americans like Heidi Bunting, a 35-year-old Ohio student, described basics like health care and transport as unaffordable.[1]
“It’s awful, and not just for me,” Bunting said. “I’m sure the only people doing well in this economy are those who started with a lot of money.” Miguel Cortes, a 67-year-old South Carolina retiree, accepted price hikes as temporary. “It is what it is, I’m not going to complain,” he noted.[2]
Immigration Provides Relative Strength
Amid broader woes, immigration stood out with 40 percent approval, steady from March and above overall ratings. This tracked higher than predecessor Joe Biden’s 36 percent low in 2022 amid inflation peaks. Trump’s initial 42 percent approval in March 2025 had held until recent slips.[1]
The poll, drawn from NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel, carried a ±2.6 percent margin of error. Midterm implications loomed large, with weak cost perceptions threatening GOP defenses.
| Group | Economy Approval | Change from March |
|---|---|---|
| All Adults | 30% | -8 pts |
| Republicans | 62% | -12 pts |
| Independents | 20% | -10 pts |
| MAGA Republicans | 70% (costs) | N/A |
- Economy approval fell to 30%, lowest in recent AP-NORC tracking.
- 75% rate economy as poor amid Iran-driven price spikes.
- Younger Republicans increasingly skeptical on costs.
As Trump navigates war and wallets, restoring economic faith will test his resilience much like Biden’s inflation recovery. Midterms may hinge on tangible wins. What do you think about these poll numbers? Tell us in the comments.
