Donald Trump's Approval Rating On Inflation Plummets To Record Low

President Donald Trump's approval rating on inflation-one of the defining issues behind his 2024 election victory-has fallen dramatically since the start of the year and now sits at a record low, according to a newly released poll.

A survey released Tuesday by polling platform Strength In Numbers in collaboration with Verasight found Trump's net approval rating on prices and inflation dropped to -47 in May, down from -31 in January.

The poll suggests just 25 percent of Americans approve of how the president is handling inflation and prices, while 72 percent disapprove. Among them, 57 percent said they "strongly" disapprove.

The findings come as Americans continue facing rising costs for essentials including food and gasoline amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Inflation Emerges as Top Concern for Voters

According to the survey, a majority of respondents identified rising prices as the single most important issue facing the country.

The poll also reflects broader signs of frustration with the administration's handling of the economy.

Gas prices have risen nationwide during the conflict involving Iran, while grocery costs have remained elevated despite slowing inflation growth compared with earlier peaks.

White House Defends Trump's Economic Agenda

White House spokesman Kush Desai told Newsweek that the American economy has been “resilient under President Trump because his economic agenda has a proven track record-this same agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, and tariffs unleashed historic job, wage, and economic growth during the first Trump term.”

“Americans can rest assured that as this agenda continues taking effect, and as Congress passes more of the president's health care and housing affordability agenda, the best is yet to come in the second Trump term,” he added.

Approval Ratings Declining Across Major Policy Areas

The Strength In Numbers/Verasight survey found Trump underwater across nearly every major issue tested.

His net approval ratings were:

• -28 on health care
• -25 on jobs and the economy
• -23 on foreign policy
• -22 on elections and democracy
• -22 on government funding and social programs
• -21 on trade
• -19 on education

Even on issues central to his administration's messaging, the president posted negative ratings:

• -12 on deportations
• -12 on immigration
• -12 on crime

Border security was the only issue where opinion was evenly split, with 48 percent approving and 48 percent disapproving.

The poll surveyed 1,529 U.S. adults between May 18 and May 19 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.

Trump’s Overall Approval Rating

Trump's overall approval rating has also remained underwater throughout 2026, according to the poll.

His net approval stood at:

• -18 in January
• -22 in February
• -23 in March
• -26 in April
• -23 in May

Other polling has also suggested weakening support among key voting blocs.

The same survey also found his approval among Republicans had reached a record low.

Economic perceptions-particularly around inflation and household costs-are often among the strongest indicators of political performance heading into elections.

With the U.S. midterms approaching later this year, continued voter dissatisfaction over prices and affordability could present a growing political challenge for the administration.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 8:50 AM.