Trump Approval Rating Tumbles?

A new poll from Fox News is raising eyebrows inside Republican circles as growing concerns over inflation, affordability, and the economy appear to be affecting support for President Donald Trump among some core voting groups.

While Trump continues to maintain strong backing from much of the Republican base, the latest numbers suggest that rising costs and economic uncertainty are beginning to weigh heavily on voters who helped power his return to the White House in 2024.

According to the survey, Trump’s approval rating among Republicans slipped to 80 percent, marking the lowest level recorded for him in this Fox News polling series. Support was noticeably weaker among Republicans who do not identify with the MAGA movement, where approval stood at 54 percent.

The poll also showed softness among several traditionally Republican demographics, including white voters and rural Americans, both of whom registered 43 percent approval in the survey.

Political analysts say the biggest issue appears to be affordability. Americans across the country continue struggling with higher grocery prices, rising energy bills, expensive housing costs, and stubborn inflation that has refused to fully cool down.

The survey found disapproval of Trump’s handling of the economy rose to 71 percent in May, up from 66 percent just one month earlier. Even more notable, Republican dissatisfaction increased by seven percentage points during that same period.

Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who helped conduct the survey, said economic pressures are clearly driving frustration among independent voters and some conservative-leaning Americans.

“Affordability” remains the key word dominating voter concerns heading into the second half of 2026.

Inflation numbers continue adding pressure. Recent Labor Department figures showed prices rising 3.8 percent over the past year, including a 0.6 percent increase in April alone. Many Americans — especially retirees and working-class families — say they are still feeling squeezed every time they visit the grocery store or pay monthly bills.

Among Republicans surveyed, 51 percent said they disapprove of Trump’s handling of inflation. That figure climbed sharply among independents and Democrats, showing the economy remains one of the most politically sensitive issues in the country.

At the same time, Trump continues receiving strong marks from Republicans on foreign policy and national security. Nearly 9 in 10 Republican voters surveyed said they believe the United States is winning its broader strategic conflict involving Iran.

Still, support for deeper military involvement overseas appears to be softening nationwide. Opposition to military action involving Iran rose to 60 percent in May, up from 55 percent the previous month.

President Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants the situation resolved quickly and peacefully, while negotiators continue working toward a possible agreement aimed at reducing tensions in the region.

The Fox News poll was conducted from May 15 through May 18 by Beacon Research and surveyed 1,002 registered voters nationwide. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points.