Most Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of the U.S. economy, despite entering the White House on the promise of lowering prices for consumers.
According to a recent Gallup poll, Trump’s approval rating on the economy stands at 42 percent. This is lower than any president’s first-term February reading in recent history, Gallup notes, including those for Joe Biden (54 percent), Barack Obama (59 percent), George W. Bush (53 percent) and Bill Clinton (45 percent).
Why It Matters
Trump’s campaign focused heavily on the state of the U.S. economy, the candidate decrying “Bidenomics” as an accelerant of U.S. inflation, painting his opponent’s policies as more of the same, and promising to bring down prices “on day one.” Alongside American’s concerns over immigration, this was credited with securing his victory over Kamala Harris and paving the path to the White House.
However, Trump’s low economic approval rating indicates that Americans are discouraged by his approach so far, amid anxiety over the domestic impact of tariffs, and recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing that America’s inflationary struggles are far from over.
What To Know
According to Gallup, which surveyed 1,004 Americans between February 3 and February 16, Trump’s overall approval rating stands at 45 percent, five points ahead of the initial February approval rating in his first term (40 percent). These mark the lowest February approval ratings of any president since 1953, Gallup noted.
By party, 93 percent of Republicans and four percent of Democrats are happy about the President’s job performance, with the starkest differences of opinion concerning immigration and foreign affairs—both 86 percent splits.
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Before their administrations fully take shape, presidents typically enjoy their highest approval ratings early in their term and depart with significantly diminished public support. Joe Biden’s approval rating fell from 57 percent to 40 between the start and end of his term, Trump’s dropped from 45 to 34 percent, and Obama’s from 67 percent to 59.
Americans’ views on specific matters are similar to those on the economy, the president getting approval ratings of 46 percent on immigration, 44 percent on foreign affairs—but 40 percent on both Israel-Palestine and the war in Ukraine—and 42 percent on foreign trade.
According to a previous poll—Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index—Americans were less pessimistic about the economy than prior to Trump’s victory in the 2025 presidential election, the index shifting from minus 26 in late October to minus 19 in early January.
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However, the latest survey, conducted since Trump’s inauguration, comes at a time of heightened concern over the economy and escalating tensions between the U.S. and its trading partners. Earlier in February, Trump announced blanket, 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, followed days later by the announcement of “reciprocal tariffs” on imports from those countries he believes are taking advantage of the U.S. in terms of trade.
Last week, the U.S. Consumer Price Index increased quicker than analysts had forecast, indicating steeper price increases across the board in January compared to December.
What People Are Saying
“BIDEN INFLATION UP!” President Trump posted to Truth Social shortly after the inflation reading.
Vice President JD Vance said that the president would fulfill his campaign promise to lower prices, but that this would “take a bit of time.”
In the interview with CBS News’ Face the Nation, Vance added: “More capital investment, more job creation in our economy is one of the things that’s going to drive down price for all consumers but also raise wages so that people can afford to buy the things they need.”
What Happens Next?
According to minutes from the Federal Reserve’s January meeting, released on Wednesday, several factors could “hinder the disinflation process” including Trump’s immigration policies. The Fed also cited concerns from business leaders that companies may push higher prices resulting from tariffs onto consumers.
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