CNN is once again drawing attention after one of its top political analysts argued that President Donald Trump is facing historically weak approval ratings.
The comments come as several new national polls suggest Trump continues to face political headwinds with the 2026 midterm elections approaching and even calling his approval ratings the ‘Worst of This Century’
Recent surveys released by CNBC and The Washington Post show Trump’s job approval remaining below 40 percent, while broader polling averages also indicate more Americans currently disapprove of his performance than approve. Although approval ratings can change over time, the latest numbers have fueled renewed debate over how voters view the president’s second term.
New Polls Show Trump Facing Political Challenges
The latest polling arrives as Republicans prepare to defend their congressional majorities in November’s midterm elections. Political analysts expect issues such as inflation, the economy, energy prices, and the overall cost of living to play a significant role in shaping voter decisions.
President Trump entered his second term promising to strengthen the economy, reduce inflation, and improve affordability for American families. However, several recent national surveys suggest many voters remain concerned about rising costs despite ongoing White House efforts.
Because presidential approval ratings often influence the political climate heading into midterm elections, both Republicans and Democrats are closely watching whether public opinion shifts in the coming months.
CNN Analyst Compares Trump’s Numbers to Other Presidents
Speaking on CNN Tuesday, chief data analyst Harry Enten argued that recent polling places Trump in one of the weakest political positions of any modern second-term president at this stage of a presidency.
Using net approval ratings—calculated by subtracting disapproval from approval—Enten pointed to new polling from both CNBC and The Washington Post.
According to the Washington Post survey, Trump’s net approval measured minus 24 points, only slightly above his record low of minus 25 in that polling series.
Meanwhile, CNBC’s latest survey found Trump’s net approval at minus 19 points, marking his lowest rating ever recorded by that organization.
Enten said the combined results suggest Trump’s political standing has shown little improvement as attention increasingly turns toward the midterm elections.
How Trump’s Approval Compares With Previous Presidents
Enten also compared Trump’s numbers with those of other recent presidents serving second terms.
Based on the average of the CNBC and Washington Post surveys, Trump posted a net approval rating of minus 22 points. According to Enten’s analysis, that is lower than former President George W. Bush’s approval during the Iraq War and well below former President Barack Obama’s rating at a similar point in his presidency.
Bush registered minus 20, while Obama stood at minus 8 during comparable periods.
Washington Post Poll Highlights Economic Concerns
A Washington Post/Ipsos survey conducted from July 8 through July 13 among 2,648 U.S. adults found Trump with a 37 percent approval rating and 61 percent disapproval.
The survey also showed continued dissatisfaction with the president’s handling of the economy, with only 33 percent approving of his performance on that issue.
Researchers reported a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points.
CNBC Survey Finds Economic Pessimism Rising
CNBC’s All-America Economic Survey, conducted among 1,000 registered voters, found Trump receiving 40 percent approval compared to 59 percent disapproval.
The survey also showed growing concern about the nation’s economic outlook.
According to CNBC, 61 percent of respondents described themselves as pessimistic about the economy’s future—the highest level measured by the network since late 2023. Only 25 percent said they were optimistic.
Trump’s handling of the economy received 38 percent approval and 60 percent disapproval, resulting in a net economic rating of minus 22 points.
The survey carried a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
Independent Voters Remain a Key Challenge
Enten said one of the biggest factors weighing on Trump’s overall approval is his standing among independent voters.
According to CNN’s analysis, Trump’s net approval among independents currently stands at minus 45 points.
Enten noted that this is lower than comparable ratings recorded by former President Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal and former President George W. Bush during the Iraq War. Nixon stood at minus 37, while Bush registered minus 31 among independents during similar periods.
Polling Averages Show a Consistent Trend
While individual surveys often vary, several polling averages point in the same general direction.
CNN’s Poll of Polls—which combines multiple national surveys conducted between June 17 and July 13—shows Trump with 36 percent approval and 61 percent disapproval.
The average includes polling from Washington Post/Ipsos, Reuters/Ipsos, CBS News/YouGov, Winthrop University/YouGov, and Strength In Numbers/Verasight.
The New York Times polling average currently places Trump at 39 percent approval and 58 percent disapproval.
Polling analyst Nate Silver’s approval tracker presents a somewhat less negative picture, showing Trump’s net approval at minus 17.4 points. Silver noted that Trump’s rating has improved modestly since reaching a second-term low in May, although several newer polls have pulled the average lower again.
Silver also observed that Trump’s current approval rating remains slightly stronger than former President Joe Biden’s approval at the same stage of his presidency.
White House Pushes Back
The White House rejected suggestions that polling numbers alone define the success of the administration.
Spokesman Davis Ingle said President Trump has already delivered significant accomplishments during his second term, highlighting efforts aimed at job creation, reducing inflation, improving housing affordability, and advancing the administration’s broader economic agenda.
The administration also argued that additional policy initiatives are expected to continue taking effect in the months ahead.
What the Latest Trump Polls Could Mean
Political experts frequently caution that approval ratings are only one measure of public opinion and can shift considerably before Election Day. Economic conditions, legislative achievements, foreign policy developments, and unexpected national events all have the potential to influence voter attitudes.
Still, presidential approval has historically been an important indicator heading into congressional elections, making these surveys closely watched by both political parties.
With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Trump’s approval ratings are likely to remain a major focus for analysts, campaigns, and voters alike. Whether the recent polling represents a lasting trend or simply a snapshot in time will become clearer as Americans continue evaluating the economy, inflation, and other issues that could shape the outcome in November.