Donald Trump’s Disapproval Rating Rises To New High

Donald Trump’s disapproval rating has climbed to its highest level since the start of his second term, according to new polling data.

The most recent Wall Street Journal/ Fabrizio, Lee and Associates poll shows that Trump’s disapproval rating has hit 52 percent, up from 51 percent in March, while his approval rating has remained the same at 46 percent. The survey was conducted between July 18-21 among 1,000 registered voters.

In other polls conducted before the beginning of Trump’s second term, his disapproval rating ranged from 46 to 51 percent.

Meanwhile, Trump’s personal favorability rating declined slightly, from 47 percent in March to 45 percent in July, and a majority of voters—52 percent—continue to view him unfavorably.

With Trump’s popularity declining, voter sentiment remains unsettled—especially on the economy, with most voters continuing to feel the financial strain of inflation and rejecting key elements of Trump’s economic policy.

This comes as inflation has begun to rise again, with the rate of annual price increases hitting 2.7 percent in June, up from 2.4 percent the previous month, according to the Consumer Price Index. At the same time, the president’s economic approval rating remains stuck at 44 percent, unchanged since March. Disapproval has edged up slightly, from 52 percent to 53 percent.

Signs of Recovery, But Financial Pressure Persists

Nonetheless, public assessments of the economy have brightened. In July, 47 percent of Americans described the economy as strong—up from 36 percent in March. The share who called it weak fell from 63 percent to 51 percent. Perceptions of momentum have shifted too: 38 percent now say the economy is getting better, compared to just 26 percent in March, while fewer believe it’s getting worse (46 percent, down from 52 percent).

But those gains haven’t translated into personal relief. A consistent 57 to 58 percent of voters say inflation and the cost of living are causing at least minor financial strain. Another 31 percent say it’s not currently a problem, but could become one if prices rise further. Just 11 percent in July said it isn’t a concern at all.

Beyond inflation, Trump faces growing criticism over his tariff policies. Just 40 percent of voters approve of his approach to tariffs, while 57 percent disapprove. Opposition is widespread: 56 percent oppose tariffs on Mexico, and 53 percent reject tariffs on the European Union.

The skepticism runs deeper than specific policies. Nearly half of voters (48 percent) say Trump’s economic approach will cause more harm than good, and a majority (52 percent) believe he is not looking out for the middle class.

Immigration Agenda Backfires

The poll also shows that Trump’s aggressive immigration policies may be undermining his own support.

According to the poll, his approval on the issue stands at 48 percent, while 51 percent disapprove, giving him a net approval rating of -3 points.

That is despite a historic drop in illegal border crossings in June—largely attributed to his expanded deportation efforts and new detention measures. But reports of aggressive enforcement tactics, mass raids, and expanded ICE detention facilities—including temporary camps dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz”—have sparked unease even among voters.

According to the poll, a majority—51 percent—say his efforts to deport undocumented immigrants have gone too far. But when asked specifically about illegal immigration, views were slightly more favorable: 51 percent approve of how he’s handled it, compared to 49 percent who disapprove.

National Mood Still Downbeat

Amid concerns about the economy and immigration, most Americans remain pessimistic about the country’s trajectory. In July, just 39 percent said the U.S. is headed in the right direction, while 55 percent said it’s on the wrong track—slightly worse than the 41/51 split seen in March.

Meanwhile, Trump has seen his approval ratings dip to a second-term low nationwide. Newsweek’s approval tracker currently places Trump at a net minus 10 rating, with 43 percent of Americans approving and 53 percent disapproving. It is one of his lowest net approval scores in recent weeks.

The most recent Marquette University survey shows Trump at 45 percent approval and 55 percent disapproval, a net rating of -10, down two points from -8 in May. It is the lowest rating Marquette has recorded for Trump during his second term.

Similarly, Navigator Research found his approval at 42 percent, with 54 percent disapproving, marking a net approval rating of -12—a four-point drop from June and also his worst rating from Navigator since returning to office.

More dramatic declines appear in Gallup’s latest polling, which shows Trump with just 37 percent approval and 58 percent disapproval—a net rating of -21, down from -17 last month. The Bullfinch Group also reports weakening support, with Trump now at 41 percent approval and 55 percent disapproval, a net rating of -14, down slightly from -13 in June.