Trump’s Approval Plummets to Historic Low in New Poll
Trump’s Approval Rating Hits New Low: What the Latest Polls Tell Us
Published: August 11, 2026 | Source: USA TODAY / Economist-YouGov Poll
The Big Picture in Simple Terms
Think of a presidential approval rating like a report card for the president. Every week, pollsters (people who conduct surveys) ask a group of Americans: "Do you approve of the job the president is doing?" The percentage who say "yes" becomes the approval rating.
Right now, that grade is looking pretty rough for President Trump.
Key Numbers You Should Know
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Topline Findings from the August 7–10 Economist/YouGov Poll
- 33% approve of Trump’s job performance — the lowest since he returned to office in 2025
- Down 3 points from just one week earlier
- 60% say he is "not honest and trustworthy"
- 65% believe the country is headed in the wrong direction (up 2 points from late July)
- 53% say the 80-year-old president is too old for the job
- 61% think he’s using the presidency for personal gain
- 55% believe he’s using the Department of Justice to target political enemies
- 57% oppose the controversial East Wing ballroom renovation
How the Poll Was Conducted
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Who was surveyed | 1,589 U.S. adults |
| When | August 7–10, 2026 |
| Margin of error | ±3.2 percentage points |
| Conducted by | Economist/YouGov |
What does "margin of error" mean?
It means the true number for the whole country is likely within 3.2 points above or below the reported number. So Trump’s real approval could be anywhere from 29.8% to 36.2%.
What This Means for the Midterm Elections
The midterms are congressional elections happening in November 2026. The president’s party usually loses seats when his approval is low. Here’s what the polls show:
Generic Congressional Ballot (Who would you vote for?)
| Poll | Democratic Lead | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Economist/YouGov | 8 points | Aug 11 |
| Marquette Law School | 6 points | Aug 5 |
| Reuters/Ipsos | 5 points | Aug 3 |
Translation: More voters say they’d pick a Democrat than a Republican for Congress — and that gap has been consistent across multiple polls.
What Trump Says About the Numbers
In a recent interview with Punchbowl News, Trump pushed back:
"A lot of them are very angry at Republicans, to be honest with you. They’re angry at Republicans, but they’re not angry at me."
He also pointed to his 2024 election wins in key states as proof of his popularity, but acknowledged:
"The question is … if I don’t run, will those people go out and vote? And that’s the one thing I can’t tell you."
Concerns About Presidential Power
The poll didn’t just ask about approval — it asked about trust and ethics:
| Concern | % Who Agree |
|---|---|
| Using office for personal gain | 61% |
| Using DOJ to go after enemies | 55% |
| Oppose East Wing ballroom | 57% |
These numbers suggest a broader crisis of confidence — not just in Trump’s performance, but in how he’s using the presidency.
What Do the Polling Averages Say?
Individual polls bounce around. Polling averages (which blend many polls together) smooth out the noise. Major averages still show Trump in negative territory overall — meaning more people disapprove than approve.
Summary: 5 Things to Remember
- Trump’s approval is at 33% — a new low for his second term.
- Majorities question his honesty, age, and use of power.
- Democrats lead in generic ballot polls — potentially good news for them in November.
- Trump blames GOP leadership, not himself, for voter anger.
- Multiple independent polls show the same trend — this isn’t a fluke.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Does a 33% approval rating mean Trump will lose in 2028?
A: Not necessarily. Approval ratings change. But historically, presidents with ratings this low mid-term often face tough re-election bids — or their party loses Congress.
Q: What is a "generic congressional ballot"?
A: It asks: "If the election were today, would you vote for the Democrat or Republican in your district?" It doesn’t name candidates — just parties. It’s a thermometer for national mood.
Q: Why does the margin of error matter?
A: Polls survey a sample, not everyone. The margin of error tells you how much the results might differ from the true national opinion. A 33% approval with ±3.2% means the real number is likely between 30% and 36%.
Q: Are these polls biased?
A: Economist/YouGov, Marquette, and Reuters/Ipsos are well-respected, nonpartisan pollsters. They use different methods but show similar results, which increases confidence.
Q: What happens next?
A: Watch for:
- Next week’s polls (does the drop continue?)
- Trump’s campaign activity
- Republican candidates distancing themselves (or not)
- Economic news (inflation, jobs) — the #1 voter issue
Stay informed. Polls are snapshots, not predictions. But right now, the picture is clear: Americans are unhappy with the direction of the country and the president leading it.