Trump Approval Rating May 2026: Key Trends
President Donald Trump’s job approval rating stands at 43% in May 2026 — down four percentage points from his post-inauguration peak of 47% in January. The slide reflects growing anxiety over economic conditions, ongoing controversy around immigration enforcement, and accelerating erosion among suburban voters who backed Trump narrowly in 2024.
| Month | Approve | Disapprove | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | 47% | 49% | −2 |
| February 2026 | 46% | 51% | −5 |
| March 2026 | 45% | 52% | −7 |
| April 2026 | 44% | 53% | −9 |
| May 2026 | 43% | 54% | −11 |
Economy Remains the Top Driver
Economic sentiment has deteriorated sharply in 2026. Polling from multiple outlets shows only 38% of voters approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, down from 44% in January. Tariff uncertainty, persistent inflation above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, and rising grocery prices dominate kitchen-table concerns. Among independent voters — the decisive bloc in any midterm — economic disapproval runs at 59%.
Immigration: A Double-Edged Sword
Immigration enforcement, a signature Trump priority, now shows a mixed polling picture. While 51% of voters support stricter border enforcement in principle, 57% disapprove of the specific deportation operations conducted in 2026, citing due process concerns. The issue that was once Trump’s strongest approval driver has become a net negative among voters outside his base. See full breakdown in our immigration polling analysis.
Suburban Voters Shifting
Suburban voters — who gave Trump a 3-point margin in November 2024 — now disapprove of his performance by 11 points. This reversal is concentrated in the outer suburbs of Philadelphia, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Detroit: exactly the communities that will decide competitive 2026 Senate races. College-educated suburban women show the steepest decline, with approval dropping from 41% to 33% since January.
Base Consolidation vs. Margin Erosion
Trump’s approval among registered Republicans remains strong at 87%, providing a durable floor. Among non-college white voters his approval sits at 62%. But these numbers alone cannot compensate for losses in the middle. Historical analysis of second-term midterms shows presidents with approval below 45% lose an average of 28 House seats — a threshold that would return the chamber to Democratic control.
Outlook for the Midterms
If current trends hold, Trump’s approval will serve as a significant headwind for Republican candidates in competitive districts. The 2026 midterm forecast currently gives Democrats a 60% chance of flipping the House. With six months remaining before Election Day, the trajectory of the economy and any major policy developments will be decisive in whether Trump’s approval stabilizes or continues to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trump’s approval rating in May 2026?
Trump’s approval rating in May 2026 is 43%, with 54% disapproving. This gives him a net approval of −11 points, the lowest of his second term so far.
Why has Trump’s approval declined in 2026?
The main drivers are economic dissatisfaction (only 38% approve of his economic handling), controversy over immigration enforcement tactics, and erosion among suburban voters who backed him in 2024.
How does Trump’s approval compare to other second-term presidents?
At this point in their second terms, Barack Obama stood at 45% approval and George W. Bush at 38%. Trump at 43% is between those benchmarks, though the trajectory matters more than the absolute number for midterm predictions.
Which voter groups have shifted most against Trump in 2026?
Suburban voters (especially college-educated women), independent voters, and moderates in competitive states show the largest approval declines compared to his 2024 election support.