President Donald Trump’s approval ratings continue to dip in some polls while remaining steadfast and rising in others – as Americans grapple with the how his administration is handling the nation’s cost of living and the ongoing war with Iran.
Trump this week said he doesn’t really think about American’s financial situations, but polls show that a majority of Americans blame Republicans for high prices of goods, including rising food and gas prices.
Trump, in part, focused his 2024 presidential campaign on affordability, but the cost of living has steadily increased since he took office, in part due to Trump’s addition of global tariffs, but also due to ongoing global conflicts, including the ongoing war with Iran. In turn, Economic unhappiness has become somewhat of a fixture of the political landscape.
What do Americans think of their financial situation?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics found inflation in April is up 3.8% from a year ago, the highest level in three years. The national average for a gallon of gas is $4.53 as of May 15, according to AAA.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from May 8 to 11 found that 63% of Americans said the financial situation in their household has worsened due to gas price increases, up from 55% in a mid-March poll.
About 75% of people surveyed said they believe the administration bears “at least a fair amount of responsibility” for the spike in gas prices, according to Reuters.
According to a CNN/SSRS poll, 77% of people surveyed said Trump’s policies increased their cost of living. Roughlt two-thirds of Americans said Trump’s policies made the country’s economic conditions worse, according to the poll conducted between April 30 and May 4.
According to The Economist, Trump’s (un)popularity is closely linked to Americans’ views of the economy. “Most rate it as “fair” or “poor.” And more reckon it is getting worse than believe it is getting better.”
Donald Trump approval ratings: What the polls show
No matter your stance on politics, Trump remains a polarizing figure who garners intense reactions. Here’s what the latest polls say:
Note: Polls are constantly changing and different pollsters ask different varieties of the population.
The Economist
Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest from The Economist (May 15, 2026):
The latest report shows that voters believe the top three most important issues Americans are facing are inflation/prices, jobs and the economy, followed by health care. This ranking has remained steady in the past year.
New York Times
Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest New York Times poll (May 15, 2026):
Rasmussen
Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest Rasmussen poll (May 14, 2026):
The latest figures include 25% of U.S. voters who “strongly approve” of the job Trump is doing as president as well as 48% of voters who “strongly disapprove,” according to the report.
Silver Bulletin
Most recent Trump approval rating according to Pollster Nate Silver’s “Silver Bulletin” newsletter (May 14, 2026):
Civiqs
Most recent Trump approval rating according to Civiqs poll (May 14, 2026):
RealClear Polling
Most recent Trump approval rating according to the latest from RealClear Polling (May 13, 2026):
CNN
Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest CNN/SSRS poll (May 12, 2026):
Reuters/Ipsos
Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll (May 11, 2026):
Atlas Intel
Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest Atlas Intel poll (May 7, 2026):
Emerson College
Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest Emerson College poll (April 29, 2026):
Morning Consult
Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest from Morning Consult poll (April 27, 2026):
Contributing: USA Today network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Trump’s approval ratings shift as Americans struggle with costs
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
