Overview

• President Trump's net approval rating among independents has dropped to -22 overall and -29 on economic issues, marking the lowest point for any president at this stage of a term.
• Analysts attribute the decline to aggressive tariff policies, including a 10% baseline tariff and increased duties on Chinese imports, which have caused market volatility and economic uncertainty.
• Recent polling shows Trump's overall approval rating among registered voters at 47%, down from earlier in the year, with disapproval at 51%.
• A tactical pause on new tariffs has led to slight polling rebounds, but broader discontent with economic policies persists.
• Experts warn that the erosion of independent support could have significant implications for the Republican Party in the 2026 midterm elections.