President Donald Trump has seen a modest boost in his approval ratings as recent economic pressures show signs of easing, according to a new survey. The latest Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll indicates a two-point increase for the President, moving from 45% to 47% among registered voters.
Poll Details and Economic Context
The survey, conducted online between November 21 and December 4, sampled 1,000 registered voters and carries a margin of error of 3.1 percent. This uptick coincides with a period of economic stabilisation highlighted by robust consumer activity over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Despite ongoing public concern over living costs, which Trump has labelled a 'Democrat scam', spending records were shattered. Adobe Analytics reported that a staggering $44.2 billion was spent online during the Thanksgiving weekend, with both Black Friday and Cyber Monday setting new records.
Key Factors Behind the Shift
Several economic indicators appear to be influencing public sentiment. According to AAA, the national average price for petrol has dipped below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2021, remaining well below the median prices of recent years.
Furthermore, US economic growth is showing strength. A recent Bureau of Economic Analysis report noted that GDP growth in the latest quarter is the strongest since Q3 2023, fueled by increased consumer spending.
Administration Response and Persistent Discontent
The White House has actively countered narratives about an affordability crisis. 'Our prices now for energy, for gasoline, are really low. Electricity is coming down. And when that comes down, everything comes down,' President Trump stated recently, reiterating his claim that affordability concerns are a political hoax.
However, the administration faces continued scepticism. Trump's disapproval rating remains elevated at 53 percent. A separate Daily Mail poll in November of roughly 1,250 voters found that inflation and the cost of living are the leading sources of dissatisfaction with his administration.
Brittany Martinez, executive director of the right-leaning firm Principles First, summarised the public mood: 'While the administration touts billion-dollar announcements and high-profile corporate deals, most Americans are focused on far more basic needs: whether they can afford groceries, gas, and a good life.'
The President has pointed to several policy moves aimed at reducing costs for consumers, including:
- Slashing Biden-era vehicle emission standards.
- Instructing pharmaceutical manufacturers to cut prices and launching the 'TrumpRx' drug portal.
- A domestic policy package passed in July that will cut taxes on tips, overtime, and social security starting next year.
Economists note that consumer prices are still up 3 percent year-over-year, an increase some attribute to tariffs and other administration policies. For now, the latest poll suggests a slight, if fragile, political benefit for the President as some economic headwinds begin to ease.
