Trump’s approval plummets to -20 in new poll as voters slam his Epstein response and immigration policy

A recent nationwide poll conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveals a significant downturn in public approval of former President Donald Trump’s job performance, signaling potential challenges for his 2024 campaign. According to the findings, Trump’s net approval rating has fallen by 13 points since April dropping from a –7 net score to –20.

The poll, conducted in the final week of July, highlights increasing voter dissatisfaction, with only 38% approving of Trump’s performance while 58% disapprove. This marks one of the steepest approval gaps in recent months and raises concerns among political analysts about Trump’s ability to retain moderate and independent voters.

Disapproval growing across key demographics

While Trump continues to receive strong backing from his Republican base, the poll suggests a loss of support among independents, men, and older voters groups that were pivotal to his 2016 and 2020 performances. The data indicates a shifting tide, particularly in the lead up to the 2024 election.


Approval of Trump’s job performance has decreased across nearly every major demographic. Younger voters, women, and non-white respondents show particularly low approval ratings, while even among conservative voters, there has been a modest dip.

Approval slips even on core issues

Traditionally seen as a strong suit, Trump’s record on immigration is also losing favor. Approval for his handling of immigration now stands at 41%, down from 50% in April. The economy, another pillar of Trump’s platform, sees similar skepticism: only 37% give him credit for managing jobs and economic issues effectively.

On topics like health care, education, and civil rights, approval ratings fall further below the 35% mark indicating broad dissatisfaction beyond just partisan divides.

Concerns about future governance

Perhaps most notably, the poll reveals a rising level of concern about how Trump might act if elected again. A significant number of respondents expressed doubts about his willingness to obey court rulings or uphold constitutional norms, especially given his history of challenging the legitimacy of institutions and his ongoing legal troubles.

Poll methodology

The UMass Amherst survey was conducted from July 25–30, 2025, and included responses from 1,000 U.S. adults through online polling via YouGov. The margin of error is ±3.5%. With the 2024 election cycle intensifying, these numbers may shape campaign strategies on both sides of the aisle.

FAQs

Q1. What is Trump’s current approval rating according to the new poll?
A1. The UMass Amherst poll reports a 38% approval rating and 58% disapproval, resulting in a net score of –20. This is a 13-point drop from April.

Q2. How are voters responding to Trump’s economic leadership?
A1. Just 37% approve of his performance on jobs and the economy. These numbers suggest dwindling confidence in one of Trump’s key campaign pillars.