Here’s what conservatives need to know.
President Donald Trump’s second term is seeing early challenges in public polling, but experts say his core supporters remain solid—especially among older Americans focused on the economy, national security, and restoring American greatness.
New Poll Numbers Highlight Shifting Political Landscape
A Reuters/Ipsos national poll shows President Trump’s approval rating sitting at 42% as of April 21, just three months after his second inauguration. That matches a level seen during the same time in 2017—only this time it happened two days sooner.
This drop is prompting headlines in mainstream media. But it’s worth noting: presidential approval ratings often fluctuate early in a term, and this administration has already launched aggressive action on tariffs, immigration enforcement, and deregulation.
How Does Trump Compare to Biden?
In contrast, President Joe Biden did not see his approval rating fall to 42% until March 2022, more than a year into his first term. That comparison puts Trump’s dip into context—and also shows how volatile and subjective polling can be, depending on how questions are asked and which groups are sampled.
Economic Policies Under Fire—But Also Gaining Praise
A CNBC poll of 1,000 Americans revealed that 43% approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, while 55% disapprove. This marks the first time CNBC has reported a net-negative result for Trump on economic issues.
Yet, many conservatives argue that Trump’s “America First” policies, including tariffs on unfair foreign trade, are designed to protect American jobs—even if short-term poll numbers show temporary discomfort.
“These tariffs are unpopular with the media and globalist elites, but millions of American workers see them as necessary to restore manufacturing and independence,” one GOP strategist told a Washington outlet.
Polls vs. Reality: What Matters Heading into the 2026 Midterms
A separate RMG Research poll showed a small weekly change: Trump’s approval dipped from 49% to 48%, while disapproval rose from 48% to 51%. That’s well within the margin of error—but still notable for media looking to frame a trend.
Still, conservative voters age 50+ remain a critical base of support, according to multiple studies. These Americans—many of whom remember pre-globalization economic strength—strongly back President Trump’s commitment to border security, military readiness, lower taxes, and fighting inflation.
Final Takeaway: Approval Ratings Shift, But Support Endures
Political approval ratings are just one piece of the puzzle. While liberal outlets rush to highlight temporary drops, real-world issues—like rising costs, open border threats, and foreign interference—keep voters grounded in support of Trump’s leadership.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the key question isn’t what the polls say today—but what Americans experience in their everyday lives.