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President Donald Trump’s net approval rating has slipped to its lowest amid his second term in office, a new poll from The Economist and YouGov shows on Tuesday. Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment. Why It Matters The data highlights increasing voter discontent amid ongoing economic uncertainty, the prolonged government shutdown and criticism over major administration policies like tariffs and immigration. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, declining approval could affect the political landscape and ultimately Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party. What To Know According to the poll, Trump’s approval rating is 39 percent, and his disapproval rating is 58 percent, resulting in a net approval of -19 points. “This is the lowest net approval Trump has received in any Economist/YouGov Poll in Trump’s second term, and lower than all but one poll in his first term,” YouGov Public Relations Lead Allen Houston said in an email to Newsweek on Tuesday. The poll surveyed 1,623 people from October 24 to October 27 and has a margin of error of 3.4 percent. Trump’s approval rating last week with the pollster was also 39 percent and his disapproval rating was 56 percent. Similarly, a Quinnipiac University poll conducted from August 21 to August 25 among 1,220 registered voters found Trump’s approval at 37 percent with 55 percent disapproval. His approval rating rebounded slightly with the pollster in September with 38 percent and 40 percent in October. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with business leaders at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence on October 28 in Tokyo. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) What People Are Saying Columbia University professor Robert Y. Shapiro, to Newsweek via email on Tuesday: “He–and Republican leaders in Congress– should be concerned about his continued low approval ratings, as they are indicative of what the party is up against in the 2026 midterm election. “It is a sign of dissatisfaction with Trump’s performance [in] office which can have repercussions in the midterm congressional elections, in which Republicans may lose control of the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate. What is striking is that Trump’s approval rating has not gotten a boost from his success against Iran and gaining a ceasefire in Gaza. And it could sink further if there is any spike in prices or an economic downturn.” Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, on X this month: “The ‘experts’ have been underestimating @realDonaldTrump since 1985 – he knew then and he proved today why he is the ultimate deal maker. I believe he will leave office with the highest approval rating of any modern president…the first 9.5 months were just the beginning.” What Happens Next The duration and resolution of the government shutdown, economic indicators and any major legislative or international developments in the coming months could further influence Trump’s approval trajectory and the political outlook heading into 2026.
