President Trump's job approval has slipped again, according to a fresh Economist/YouGov survey released Monday, as the ongoing conflict with Iran and persistent affordability pressures continue to erode public confidence just months before the November midterms.
The poll found that only 33 percent of respondents approve of the president's performance, while 62 percent disapprove. The numbers reflect a deepening partisan divide: 79 percent of Republicans back Trump, but just 4 percent of Democrats do.
The latest reading continues a downward trajectory that has alarmed GOP strategists. In June, The Economist's polling tracker, based on YouGov data, recorded Trump as the most unpopular president in its history, with a net approval of negative 25 points.
Other recent surveys corroborate the trend. A Reuters/Ipsos poll last week put Trump's approval at 35 percent, and a Quinnipiac University survey at the end of July had it at 32 percent. The erosion comes as Republicans work to rally support for their candidates to hold both chambers of Congress.
The president's handling of the Iran war and cost-of-living issues has divided voters, with GOP insiders warning that these factors could hurt the party at the ballot box. The White House did not respond to requests for comment.
The Economist/YouGov poll also assessed Trump on specific issues. Roughly 40 percent approve of his immigration leadership, while only 30 percent trust him to handle an international crisis wisely.
Notably, a majority of respondents—53 percent—said Trump is too old for the presidency, including 85 percent of Democrats and 17 percent of Republicans.
The survey, conducted August 7–10, sampled 1,589 adults and has a margin of error of about 3.2 percentage points.
As the midterms approach, Trump's sagging numbers are a focal point for both parties. Analysts suggest that his unpopularity could mobilize Democratic voters, while some Republicans worry about turnout among their base. The president's recent moves, including his stance on vaccine mandates and election administration, have further fueled partisan clashes.
With control of Congress hanging in the balance, these approval figures are more than just numbers—they are a barometer of the political headwinds facing the GOP. The coming weeks will test whether Trump can reverse the slide or if the midterms will deliver a rebuke.
