A new AP‑NORC poll conducted July 10–14 surveyed 1,437 U.S. adults—and the numbers are startling: only about **25 percent** say President Trump’s policies have actually helped them since his second term began.
Meanwhile, roughly **half** of respondents felt his policies “did more to hurt” them, with another **20 percent** reporting no discernible impact on their day-to-day lives. That means more Americans feel worse off under his leadership than better. The Independent highlights similar breakdowns.
“One in four say they’ve been helped—but two in four say they’ve been hurt.”
The negative assessments were spread across demographic lines. Around **70 percent of Black respondents** and **62 percent of Hispanic adults** stated the opposite: Trump’s policies did more harm—a more striking contrast to the **41 percent of white adults** who said the same. Fiscal Times provides a racial breakdown.
Issue-specific sentiments were also below water. Trump failed to score majority approval on any major policy, including economic measures, immigration stance, health care or government spending—with fewer than four in ten praising his economic direction.
“His policies: hurt more, help less. And Americans can’t ignore that.”
Despite these low marks, roughly **40 percent of adults** still approve of Trump’s overall job performance—echoing his sub‑50% approval in similar polls. But only **44 percent agree he understands the problems facing people like them**, and **only 43 percent** back his immigration policies. Local polling coverage confirms the split.
Even among Republicans, support isn’t unanimous—around **half say they haven’t personally benefited**. Many see him as “capable of getting things done,” but don’t feel he’s making tangible positive change. One Trump voter told Reuters: “I’m not sold it’s really going to help.” Reuters includes firsthand voter perspectives.
This backdrop of skepticism has serious political implications. As the **2026 midterms** approach, swing‑state voters—especially those who feel hurt or unaffected—could sway away at the margins. Politico analysts warn that Trump’s base may fracture if the economy and key issues don’t show concrete improvement. Democratic analysis details that risk.
Within the broader narrative of public opinion, this poll mirrors findings from Reuters/Ipsos trends: his **overall approval is stuck around 41%**, with **54% disapproval**, and majorities disapproving of his economic and foreign policy actions. Ipsos aggregated recent surveys.
The numbers on healthcare and government spending are tough too. Just under **40 percent support his handling of health programs**, while only around **38 percent back his budget and spending decisions**. Majorities say his signature July budget likely worsens national debt and threatens Medicaid. Fiscal Times explains the concerns.
Inflation remains an economic drag. Though tariff rollbacks injected slight optimism, much of Trump’s second-term economic approach—especially protectionist trade and spending cuts—has failed to resonate with voters whose wallets are still pinched. A Harvard CAPS/Harris study showed modest improvement after tariff rollback—but that optimism hasn’t fully extended to Trump’s overall agenda.
The final takeaway: this isn’t a flash-in-the-pan reaction—it’s a sustained shift. Americans say: Trump hasn’t uplifted us—many feel worse off, and too few feel better. As midterms near, that gulf between perception and policy could define the next political battleground.
