Trump’s popularity dips as Americans grapple with soaring living costs

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Oct 2025 13:15

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows US President Donald Trump’s approval rating falling to 40%, its lowest point since he took office.

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United States President Donald Trump speaks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 29, 2025. (AP)

United States President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to one of its lowest points since he took office, as Americans express mounting frustration over the rising cost of living, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday.

The three-day national survey, which concluded on Sunday, found that only 40% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance, down two points from a similar poll conducted in mid-October. The latest figure ties the lowest level of public approval recorded during his presidency.

Meanwhile, 57% of respondents said they disapprove of Trump’s overall job performance, up from 52% in May, a steady decline reflecting growing economic dissatisfaction among US households.

Economic frustration dominates

The poll underscores a sharp public backlash over the cost of living, which has remained stubbornly high despite Trump’s campaign promises to rein in inflation and strengthen household purchasing power.

According to the survey, 63% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, up five points from earlier this month and more than double the proportion who believe he has performed well on the issue.

Inflation has edged higher since Trump assumed office in January, while job growth has slowed, prompting the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in an effort to stimulate the economy.

The economic downturn has eroded confidence in the president’s leadership on domestic affairs, a key factor that helped him secure victory in last year’s election after pledging to “fix” the inflation crisis inherited from his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden.

Public reaction to shutdown muted

Despite the economic strain, the ongoing government shutdown, now the second-longest in US history, has sparked only limited public anger. Roughly half of those surveyed said they were “frustrated” by the shutdown, while 29% said they either did not care or were pleased it was happening.

The political standoff in Washington has furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers. However, most respondents said the shutdown had little or no direct impact on their daily lives.

The impasse stems from a Senate battle over health insurance subsidies, which Democrats insist must be extended through the end of the year. Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress, have so far resisted, arguing that the subsidies will deepen the federal budget deficit. Public opinion appears to favor the Democratic stance, with 73% of Americans supporting the continuation of health insurance subsidies, a figure largely unchanged from earlier this month.