A wave of new polling has delivered a stinging blow to Donald Trump, with approval ratings showing cracks in his support even among Republicans. According to a Reuters/Ipsos survey released this week, only 41 percent of Americans now approve of Trump’s performance, while 54 percent disapprove. The results mark one of the sharpest drops of his second term and paint a troubling picture of shifting voter sentiment.
The numbers get worse when broken down by party. Newsweek noted that for the first time in months, Trump’s disapproval among Republicans has climbed into double digits — a signal that some within his base are starting to turn away. Independents, meanwhile, are moving steadily against him, with several polls showing his approval underwater by double digits among swing voters.
NEW: Trump’s approval rating sinks to 41% in fresh Reuters/Ipsos poll, with independents breaking sharply against him. — @Reuters
Economic anxiety appears to be driving much of the decline. Rising grocery prices, stubborn inflation, and persistent housing costs have left voters sour on Trump’s handling of the economy. As a Time magazine analysis explained, the perception that life is getting harder for working families has become one of Trump’s most vulnerable points. Pollsters say voters who once gave him the benefit of the doubt are beginning to voice frustration and disappointment.
The White House has attempted to dismiss the slide. Trump’s team has highlighted friendlier internal polling and accused mainstream outlets of “cooking numbers.” Yet, as the Daily Beast pointed out, Trump has a long history of cherry-picking polls to boost his image, even when averages show him trending downward. Critics argue that the latest batch of data simply confirms what Americans are already feeling in their daily lives.
Poll averages now show Trump’s net approval at –11, one of the lowest points of his presidency. — @Newsweek
Even among Republicans, loyalty isn’t as solid as it once was. A Quinnipiac survey revealed that 10 percent of GOP voters now openly disapprove of Trump’s job performance — a small number, but significant given how rare it has been in the past. Politico observed that “soft support” among conservatives is rising, with more Republicans saying they back Trump without enthusiasm. That shift could be devastating in close midterm races where turnout enthusiasm matters.
Social media reaction has been swift. On X, hashtags like #TrumpApproval and #PollCrash trended as users debated whether the latest numbers are an anomaly or a turning point. Supporters accused the media of bias, while critics saw the polls as vindication. As CNN’s breakdown of the reaction noted, independents in particular are fueling the online conversation, voicing fatigue with Trump’s constant controversies.
Hashtags #TrumpApproval and #PollCrash take off as Americans debate new approval numbers. — @CNN
Beyond numbers, the polling reflects broader unease about the country’s direction. A majority of Americans now say the U.S. is on the “wrong track,” a figure that has steadily risen under Trump’s second term. As Bloomberg highlighted, voter confidence in Trump’s ability to manage crises — whether economic or international — has weakened noticeably. The sense that chaos follows his leadership is eroding the very base of his appeal.
For Democrats, the results are political ammunition. Party leaders say the polling proves that Trump’s policies are out of step with everyday Americans. For Republicans, the dilemma is more complex: stick with Trump and risk alienating moderates, or distance themselves and face the wrath of his base. The data, as the Washington Post wrote, “poses the toughest political test yet for a man who built his career on the illusion of unshakable popularity.”
“Trump’s aura of invincibility is cracking — the polls are showing it.” — @washingtonpost
Whether this slump is temporary or a lasting downturn remains to be seen. Trump’s approval ratings have often defied gravity, bouncing back after scandals that would have sunk other politicians. But the combination of economic strain, internal GOP discontent, and growing independent backlash suggests that this time, the warning signs may be harder to ignore. For now, the polls reveal what Americans are whispering — they’re tired, skeptical, and less convinced that Trump is delivering on his promises.
