Former President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dipped to 42%, matching the lowest point of his current term, according to a new poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos. The data, gathered between May 16 and May 18, signals growing unease among voters as Trump navigates a turbulent post-presidency campaign season, economic instability, and an array of legal entanglements.
The decline comes at a crucial time. With the 2024 election in the rearview mirror and Trump leading the Republican Party into the 2026 midterms as a dominant, if controversial, figure, the numbers suggest that his political future may not be as secure as once thought.
Waning Enthusiasm Among Independents
One of the most striking revelations from the poll is the loss of support among independent voters. Only 35% of independents expressed approval of Trump’s recent actions and statements, down from 41% last month. While his Republican base remains largely intact—with 82% still expressing approval—there are signs that even that loyalty is under some strain.
"He’s not talking about the issues that matter anymore," said Rebecca Lane, a moderate conservative voter from Ohio. "It feels like the same recycled rhetoric. We need leadership, not just defiance."
Economic Anxiety Fuels Discontent
The poll indicates that economic issues are playing a significant role in the approval slide. Nearly 60% of respondents expressed concern about inflation and job security, and many attributed at least partial blame to policies enacted during Trump’s term and supported by current GOP leadership.
Though Trump no longer holds office, his influence on the Republican Party and its platform remains strong. Voters who once praised his tax reforms and deregulatory stance now appear less convinced those measures delivered long-term economic stability.
“People were promised prosperity,” said Daniel Velez, an economics professor at the University of Michigan. “But what we’re seeing is lingering inflation, stagnant wages in many sectors, and growing inequality. These trends aren’t entirely Trump’s fault, but his economic narrative hasn’t aged well.”
Legal Troubles Cast a Long Shadow
Trump’s ongoing legal challenges have also contributed to the dip in public approval. With several trials still underway—including charges related to election interference, classified document mishandling, and civil fraud—the cloud of controversy surrounding him is hard to ignore.
While Trump has repeatedly denied all allegations and painted the investigations as politically motivated, the steady stream of headlines is eroding public confidence. The Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 68% of Americans believe that a former president facing criminal charges should not run for office again.
That sentiment is reflected even in some conservative circles. “There’s a sense of fatigue,” said GOP strategist Mark Hansen. “People are tired of the circus. They want results, not drama.”
Media Strategy Backfires?
Trump’s return to the spotlight has been aggressive. He’s increased his presence on Truth Social, launched a series of rallies across swing states, and engaged in frequent media interviews. But this hypervisibility may not be helping.
The same poll shows that 54% of respondents think Trump is more focused on personal grievances than national issues—a 7-point increase from earlier this year.
“He’s trying to re-create the energy of 2016,” said political analyst Jennifer Tran. “But the landscape has changed. Voters want solutions, not slogans.”
A Comparative Slide
The 42% approval mark ties Trump’s previous low recorded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Back then, the criticism stemmed from his handling of the crisis and mixed messaging about public health. Today, the discontent is more diffuse, encompassing economic issues, legal integrity, and political behavior.
By comparison, President Joe Biden’s current approval rating stands at 45%, only slightly higher, according to the same survey. However, Biden has recently seen a modest uptick due to a more stable economic outlook and successful international diplomacy efforts.
What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
The implications of this poll extend far beyond personal popularity. As the de facto leader of the Republican Party, Trump’s image has a cascading effect on GOP candidates nationwide. A lower approval rating can make it harder to rally independent voters and moderate conservatives—key demographics in swing districts.
In recent months, a handful of Republican candidates have subtly distanced themselves from Trump, focusing instead on local issues and presenting themselves as pragmatic conservatives.
“There’s a recalibration happening,” said political consultant Maria Delgado. “Some in the GOP are betting that Trump fatigue is real and that a softer tone can still win elections.”
Trump Camp Remains Defiant
Despite the numbers, Trump’s inner circle remains outwardly confident. In a statement released on Wednesday, campaign spokesperson Liz Harrington dismissed the poll as “biased, manipulated, and irrelevant.”
“President Trump has always had the people’s support,” she said. “The fake news media can’t change that with their fake numbers.”
Meanwhile, Trump continues to hold rallies, hinting at a possible run in 2028, and doubling down on familiar themes like border security, election integrity, and anti-globalism.
The Road Ahead
As the nation moves toward another crucial election cycle, Trump’s standing will likely continue to fluctuate. His ability to rally his base is unquestionable, but his challenge lies in broadening that support without alienating key segments of the electorate.
If this week’s poll is any indication, Trump's grip on the American political imagination is loosening—perhaps not fatally, but noticeably.
Voters seem to be asking a simple question: Is Donald Trump still the answer to America's complex problems? For now, the answer is increasingly unclear.
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