Trump’s Approval Ratings Are Plummeting. The Last Group of People You’d Expect Is Behind the Shift.

Donald Trump’s approval rating among men has plummeted to its lowest level ever recorded, according to a recent Economist/YouGov poll. The survey revealed that Trump’s net approval rating among male voters stands at -22, marking a historic low. This figure is particularly striking given that male voters have historically been a key base of support for Trump and were central to his 2024 election strategy. Overall, 36 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, while 60 percent disapprove, resulting in a net approval rating of -24. This number is lower than the lowest net approval Trump achieved during his first term and even beneath the lowest rating recorded for former President Joe Biden. The poll also highlighted a deepening partisan divide in how Americans perceive Trump. When asked to describe Trump using a list of positive and negative traits, more than half of respondents—52 percent, selected “dangerous” as the most fitting descriptor, while 49 percent labeled him “corrupt.” Similarly, 45 percent called him “racist,” and the same proportion identified him as “out-of-touch.” Among the positive adjectives, “bold” was the most frequently chosen, with 43 percent selecting it, followed by “strong” (36 percent), “intelligent” (32 percent), “effective” (30 percent), “honest” (24 percent), “steady” (18 percent), and “inspiring” (17 percent). These responses reflect a clear ideological split, with 86 percent of Democrats describing Trump as dangerous, whereas just 12 percent of Republicans shared that view. Conversely, 76 percent of Republicans characterized Trump as strong, compared to only 6 percent of Democrats. Public perception of Trump’s leadership on specific issues has also deteriorated significantly. On the topic of crime, 41 percent of respondents approved of Trump’s performance, while 49 percent disapproved, yielding a net approval rating of -8. This marks a notable drop from the beginning of his second term, when he had a positive net rating of +12 on crime. Additionally, there is growing concern over Trump’s age and temperament. A majority of 52 percent believe Trump is too old to serve as president, while 37 percent disagree. This sentiment contrasts sharply with December’s findings, when opinions were nearly evenly split, with 45 percent each believing he was too old and not too old. Furthermore, 60 percent of respondents stated that Trump is not honest and trustworthy, and 58 percent claimed he lacks the temperament required for the presidency. The poll also indicated that a substantial portion of the public feels disconnected from Trump. Nearly two-thirds—62 percent, said Trump does not care much or at all about people like them, signaling a potential erosion of trust and connection between the administration and the general population. These findings suggest a broader shift in public sentiment, especially among non-Republican demographics, which could influence future political dynamics. In addition to these internal metrics, the poll noted that Democrats currently hold a slight edge over Republicans in the generic congressional ballot. Among registered voters, 46 percent expressed preference for a Democratic candidate for the House of Representatives, compared to 41 percent for a Republican candidate, indicating a five-point lead for Democrats. This trend adds to concerns about the implications of Trump’s declining popularity for the Republican Party, particularly as the 2026 midterm elections approach. The data underscores a complex landscape for the current administration, with both internal and external pressures shaping the political environment. As the country moves forward, the trajectory of public sentiment will remain a critical factor in determining the outcomes of upcoming elections and policy initiatives.