A new survey reveals that Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 30%, the lowest recorded by the American Research Group during his second term. The poll, conducted between June 16 and June 20, 2026, found that 66% of Americans disapprove of his performance. While other national surveys place Trump slightly higher, the trend is consistent: significantly more Americans disapprove than approve.
Economic Confidence Among Supporters Plummets
Perhaps the most striking finding is the sharp decline in economic optimism among Trump's own supporters. In February 2025, 46% of those who approved of Trump believed the economy would improve over the next year. That figure has now dropped to just 13%. Among all Americans, only 6% think the economy is getting better, while 73% say it is getting worse.
Trump's handling of the economy receives a mere 26% approval rating, with 70% disapproving. For comparison, in June 2018 during his first term, the same pollster recorded a 41% economic approval rating. The outlook for the next year is equally bleak: just 7% expect improvement, while three-quarters anticipate further deterioration.
Personal Financial Struggles and Recession Fears
The pessimism extends to personal finances. Nearly seven in 10 Americans describe their financial situation as 'bad', 'very bad', or 'terrible'. 73% say their household finances are worsening, and 68% believe they will be worse off a year from now. Additionally, 65% of respondents think the US is already in a recession, compared to 19% who disagree.
Among Trump's supporters, 59% believe the economy will get worse under him over the next year, while only 13% expect improvement. This indicates a significant erosion of confidence even among those who continue to back the president.
White House Response
The White House has downplayed the findings. Spokesman Davis Ingle argued that the 'ultimate poll' was the 2024 presidential election, noting Trump received nearly 80 million votes. Ingle added that the administration's policies are producing results and that 'this is just the beginning' as Trump's agenda continues to take effect.
Broader Polling Context
The American Research Group survey is at the lower end of recent polls. Other national trackers place Trump's approval in the high 30s. The New York Times polling average shows 39% approval and 59% disapproval, while CNN's average of major surveys reports 37% approval and 61% disapproval. Reuters/Ipsos, AP-NORC, YouGov, and others have found similar patterns in recent months.
The exact numbers vary, but the conclusion remains: Trump has never been overly concerned with opinion polls, but these figures carry a clear message. When even some of his supporters are losing confidence in the economy, it signals a challenge for the White House.
