Trump's Approval Ratings Plummet as Voters Express Economic Concerns

In a troubling turn of events for President Donald Trump, recent polling indicates a significant decline in his approval ratings, particularly concerning his handling of the economy. This decline comes nearly 100 days into his second term, a period traditionally seen as a pivotal moment for newly elected leaders. A Washington Post-Ipsos survey, conducted from April 18 to April 22, reveals that only 39% of respondents approve of Trump's economic management, while a staggering 61% disapprove. Furthermore, 53% of adults believe the economy has worsened since Trump's return to office, in stark contrast to merely 21% who perceive an improvement. Additional polling from CBS News/YouGov echoes these sentiments, with 58% of Americans disapproving of Trump's economic policies, and 62% expressing discontent over his management of inflation—an issue Trump had previously criticized former President Joe Biden on during their campaigns. One of the starkest realizations from the New York Times/Siena College survey is that 50% of registered voters believe Trump's policies have had a detrimental impact on the economy. The survey also highlighted a significant concern among Americans regarding Trump's unpredictable trade policies. This landscape is further complicated by bipartisan discontent; even some Republican senators have voiced opposition to Trump's tariff authority. The president's contentious tariffs have created substantial instability within the markets, which could lead to higher prices and product scarcity, as experts warn. Additionally, only 52% of U.S. adults express confidence in Trump’s ability to manage the economy—down 13 points since December. Cumulatively, these polling results suggest a profound disillusionment among the electorate regarding Trump's economic agenda, his handling of tariffs, and the potential for a looming recession. In summary, Trump faces an uphill battle as he navigates the complexities of economic management in an increasingly skeptical environment. The significant drop in approval ratings from both independents and traditionally supportive Republican bases indicates a growing challenge for the administration as it enters a critical juncture in its term.