25. March 2026

Trump Faces Increased Backlash Over Economy as Approval Polls Slump

WASHINGTON-- A majority of Americans continue to disapprove of President Donald Trump’s job performance, according to a new Economist/YouGov poll, extending a trend that has persisted for months.

The survey found that 37% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s performance, while 56% disapprove, for a net approval rating of minus 18. Trump’s ratings have remained consistently negative, with his three-week average not rising above minus 15 since September 2025.

Americans expressed more disapproval than approval across all seven issues measured in the poll.

Trump received his strongest marks on crime, where 43% approve and 47% disapprove, for a net rating of minus 4. His handling of immigration and the military also outperformed his overall approval rating, though both remained underwater.

By contrast, his ratings were weaker on issues such as the environment, race relations, the situation in Iran and investigations related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Approval of Trump’s handling of Iran declined notably from the previous week. In the latest poll, 35% approve and 55% disapprove, for a net rating of minus 20. That compares with 39% approval and 52% disapproval a week earlier.

The drop was driven largely by shifting views among independents. Approval among independents fell to 24%, while disapproval rose to 63%, resulting in a net rating of minus 39. The previous week, independents were less negative, at 30% approval and 53% disapproval.

Partisan views remained largely unchanged, with most Democrats disapproving and most Republicans approving of Trump’s handling of Iran.

Independents also grew more pessimistic about the impact of U.S. military involvement. Half said the intervention would worsen the situation in Iran, while 18% said it would improve conditions. A week earlier, 40% expected conditions to worsen and 24% expected improvement.

Views among Democrats and Republicans also shifted, though less sharply. About 72% of Democrats now say the intervention will make conditions worse, up from 64% the previous week. Among Republicans, 55% expect improvement, down from 64%.

Broader attitudes toward the conflict remain negative. About 33% of Americans say they support the war with Iran, while 56% oppose it.

A majority, 61%, say the U.S. should prioritize ending the conflict as quickly as possible. Only 24% favor continuing military operations until all objectives are achieved.

Confidence in Trump’s handling of international crises is also limited. About 32% say they are confident in his approach, while 56% say they are uneasy.

The poll also found lingering uncertainty surrounding a February missile strike on a girls’ elementary school in southern Iran that killed about 165 people. About 46% of Americans believe the United States was responsible, 17% say it was not, and 37% are unsure.