Trump Faces Record Low Approval on Inflation in Latest Poll

President Donald Trump’s approval rating on inflation, a key issue for his 2024 election victory, has dropped sharply this year. A recent poll shows his net approval rating on inflation plummeted to -47 in May, compared to -31 in January. The poll, conducted by Strength In Numbers in collaboration with Verasight, reveals only 25% of Americans support Trump’s management of inflation and prices, while 72% disapprove. Among the disapproving, 57% expressed strong dissatisfaction.

The survey highlights that the rising cost of essentials, such as food and gasoline, remains a significant concern for many Americans amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Inflation Emerges as Top Concern for Voters

Survey participants identified rising prices as the most pressing issue facing the country. This reflects broader frustrations with the administration’s economic strategies. Gas prices have surged across the nation during the conflict involving Iran, and grocery costs remain high despite a slowdown in inflation growth compared to previous peaks.

White House Defends Trump’s Economic Agenda

White House spokesman Kush Desai emphasized the resilience of the American economy under Trump’s leadership, citing a record of tax cuts, deregulation, and tariffs that fueled job and economic growth during his first term. Desai assured that continued implementation of this agenda, alongside advances in healthcare and housing affordability, promises further progress in Trump’s second term.

Approval Ratings Declining Across Major Policy Areas

The Strength In Numbers/Verasight survey reports Trump’s approval ratings falling across nearly all major policy areas:

• -28 on healthcare
• -25 on jobs and the economy
• -23 on foreign policy
• -22 on elections and democracy
• -22 on government funding and social programs
• -21 on trade
• -19 on education

On immigration-related issues, his ratings showed a negative trend as well:

• -12 on deportations
• -12 on immigration
• -12 on crime

Border security remained an evenly split issue, with 48% approval and 48% disapproval.

The poll, carried out from May 18 to May 19, surveyed 1,529 U.S. adults with a margin of error of ±2.7 percentage points.

Trump’s Overall Approval Rating

Trump’s overall approval rating has consistently stayed in negative territory throughout 2026. The poll reported his net approval as:

• -18 in January
• -22 in February
• -23 in March
• -26 in April
• -23 in May

Additional polling indicates weakening support among key voter demographics. Economic views, especially concerning inflation and household costs, often serve as crucial indicators of political performance before elections. With upcoming U.S. midterms, ongoing dissatisfaction over prices and affordability may pose a growing challenge for the administration.