Trump now more unpopular than in 2018, only 13% now say they strongly approve of his performance: CNN poll

Donald Trump is even more unpopular as US President than he was in 2018, according to a latest CNN-SSRS poll. The poll comes as the US heads toward the November midterm elections.

Earlier, an Associated Press-KFF poll found that about half of rural American voters believed the economy was worse off than when Trump returned to office. A Reuters/Ipsos poll, meanwhile, put Trump's overall approval rating at a career-low 32%. Just 17% approved of his handling of the cost of living, while 34% approved of his handling of the Iran war.

What the CNN poll found

According to the latest CNN poll, just 27% of Americans approve of Trump's handling of the economy, compared with 49% in September 2018. That represents a 22-percentage-point decline.


Overall, 33% of Americans approve of Trump's performance as president.

The biggest drop was recorded in Americans' assessment of current economic conditions. Just 28% say economic conditions in the country are good, compared with 69% in 2018.

In another low for Trump, only 13% strongly approve of his performance. Just 24% say he has the right priorities, while 20% approve of his handling of inflation, according to the CNN poll.

Americans concerned about their finances

The poll found that two-thirds of Americans believe Trump has worsened economic conditions in the country.

Majorities also say the war in Iran and new tariffs have negatively affected their personal finances. By contrast, relatively few Americans say they have seen financial benefits from policies such as changes to the tax law or the creation of Trump Accounts for children born during his second term.

Higher gas prices are another concern. Most Americans describe rising gas prices as a financial hardship for their households, although only about one-quarter describe the hardship as severe.

The poll also found that 57% of Americans feel uncertain about their own finances, while nearly half say they are stressed about their financial future. Those concerns are particularly pronounced among younger adults.

Only 31% say they feel hopeful about their finances, while 23% say they feel secure. Both figures have declined since spring.

Trump faces declining support among Republicans

The poll also found signs of dissatisfaction among Republican voters.

According to CNN, 50% of Republicans disapprove of Trump's handling of inflation, while 59% say the war in Iran has hurt their finances. Nearly half also say Trump has either worsened economic conditions or had no effect on them.

Overall, registered voters say they would support a Democratic congressional candidate over a Republican candidate in their district by 49% to 41%, according to the CNN poll. CNN reported that Democrats hold an eight-point lead in the congressional preference question.

The latest findings come as the economy has become a major concern for voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. CNN noted that Trump's economic approval rating was 49% in September 2018, when the economy was viewed as one of his stronger issues.