Amid Economic Concerns, President Trump’s Approval Rating Hits New Low
As economic anxieties persist, President Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to a new low. The latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows his approval at just 36%, reflecting growing dissatisfaction among Americans.
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President Trump’s economic policies are under scrutiny as his approval rating drops to 36%, marking the lowest point in his presidency, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. NPR political reporter Elena Moore explores the sentiments of voters who are feeling the economic strain and shares their stories.
ELENA MOORE, BYLINE: Regina Kulenga, a 36-year-old voter from Georgia, once a staunch supporter of President Trump, has shifted her stance. Despite backing him in previous elections, she can no longer support him.
REGINA KULENGA: Where is the relief for America? None. You know, you’re looking like, hey, is this the president that I really voted for?
MOORE: Kulenga highlights the financial pressures her family faces due to rising gas and grocery prices, believing Trump has failed to deliver on his promises.
KULENGA: A lot of the things that he did promise, we’re still waiting. I was a big Trump supporter, you know, in the beginning. And then, now, we want him out the office. He’s not doing anything right now for the economy but making things a lot worse.
MOORE: Kulenga is not alone. The poll indicates that 60% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s economic management, including 22% of Republicans. The disapproval rate is even higher among independents at 65% and Democrats at 93%.
ERICA THOMPSON: I don’t think that anybody feels better off economically now than they did before Trump.
MOORE: Erica Thompson, a 41-year-old Democrat from Portland, Oregon, shares her experience of managing household finances despite rising costs. She recounts spending over a hundred dollars on gas a couple of times this spring.
THOMPSON: Things are not getting better for the average person. Things are only getting better for the people at the very top.
MOORE: Approximately one-third of Americans report that gas prices are significantly impacting their household budget. Over 20% have canceled summer vacation plans due to costs. However, 68-year-old Trump supporter Greg Votel from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, sees things differently.
GREG VOTEL: My buddy owns a resort. He’s completely full. You look at the grocery store up here, you should see the plates – Nebraska, Iowa, Dakotas, Wisconsin, Illinois. I’d say business is good.
MOORE: Despite some disillusionment among Trump voters, Votel remains among the majority of Republicans who continue to support him.
VOTEL: People have got so used to getting everything quickly. They expect the fix to be just as quick. It isn’t going to happen. It’s going to take some time. It’s going to probably take at least two administrations.
MOORE: Votel urges believers in Trump to stand firm in their support.
Elena Moore, NPR News.
