Trump’s Approval Rating Turns Negative for First Time in Second Term, Raising GOP Concerns
Why it matters: Potential impact on Republican support, legislative agenda, and midterm outlook
A recent poll from Republican‑leaning firm Rasmussen shows President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dipped into negative territory for the first time in his second term. As of April 4, just 49 percent of likely U.S. voters approved of his performance, while 50 percent disapproved, marking a net approval of –1. This unprecedented slide comes at a critical juncture for the administration and could influence support among Republican lawmakers and shape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. m.EconomicTimes
Rising disapproval across multiple surveys
The downward trend is echoed in a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted March 31–April 2, which placed Trump’s approval at 43 percent and disapproval at 53 percent—the lowest approval figure since his return to office in January 2025. Reuters
Meanwhile, RMG Research, another GOP‑leaning outfit, found a similar slip: a poll of 3,000 registered voters between March 26 and April 3 showed Trump at 51 percent approval and 47 percent disapproval, down from 52/45 in RMG’s March survey. APP.com
Economic policies weigh heavily on public sentiment
Analysts attribute much of the dissatisfaction to concerns over Trump’s economic measures, notably his recent tariff program. The Reuters/Ipsos survey noted that voter skepticism about the tariffs’ impact on inflation and corporate profits contributed to the president’s low score. Similar findings appeared in the Marquette University Law School poll, where 58 percent of respondents said tariffs hurt the economy and expected them to drive up inflation.
Implications for Republican lawmakers and the midterms
A negative approval rating for a sitting president from a party‑aligned pollster is rare and could embolden GOP critics in Congress. Lawmakers closely watch presidential approval as a barometer for policy support; a sustained decline may make it harder for Trump to rally Republican votes on his signature initiatives, including further trade actions and budget proposals. With the 2026 midterms looming, party strategists will be wary of a president whose public standing is eroding.
Outlook and potential recovery
While approval ratings often fluctuate with news cycles and major events, Trump’s current standing presents a clear challenge. The administration may seek to reverse the trend through policy announcements, high‑profile diplomatic engagements, or legislative victories. For now, however, the numbers underscore a growing gap between the White House and its base, offering a sobering reminder of the limits of partisan loyalty when faced with tangible economic concerns.
