New polling from CNN reveals that President Donald Trump’s net economic approval rating has reached historic lows, with Americans overwhelmingly blaming his policies for financial hardship.
Key Findings from the CNN Poll
- 77% of Americans blame President Trump for increasing the cost of living in their communities—a 37% increase from 2024.
- 75% of Americans believe the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and Lebanon, initiated under Trump’s leadership, has negatively impacted their financial situation.
- Only 25% of Americans feel that recent stock market developments—frequently touted by Trump—have had any real impact on their lives.
- Approval ratings for Trump’s handling of inflation, a key issue in his 2024 campaign, have plummeted, with even fewer Americans believing his promises have been fulfilled.
Expert Analysis: Trump’s Inflation Polls Among the Worst in History
“These are the ugliest numbers I have ever seen on inflation … the five worst polls ever, for any president—they all belong to Donald John Trump, and they have all occurred within the last month.”
Harry Enten, CNN Senior Data Reporter
Enten emphasized the severity of the findings, stating:
“It's not just one poll. The five worst polls ever for any president on inflation, they all belong to Donald Trump and they have all occurred in the last month. What we're talking about here is the worst numbers ever. Joe Biden isn't in there. Jimmy Carter isn't in there.”
His remarks were shared by journalist Aaron Rupar on May 13, 2026.
Trump’s Remarks Deepen Economic Disconnect
Just a day before the poll’s release, Trump publicly stated that he didn’t care about the financial struggles of Americans “even a little bit.” The combination of these remarks and the poll’s findings underscores a growing disconnect between the president’s economic messaging and public sentiment.
Analysts suggest these numbers could pose a significant challenge for Trump and his party in the upcoming midterm elections, particularly as inflation remains a top voter concern.
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