A new CNBC poll reveals rising economic anxiety and falling support for President Trump’s handling of key financial issues as blame for the shutdown intensifies.
Economic Confidence Dips as Public Sentiment Turns Sour
A new CNBC survey reveals that Americans are increasingly pessimistic about the economy, and President Donald Trump is taking the political hit.
- Trump’s economic approval rating has fallen to 42%, with 55% disapproving—the lowest level recorded during either of his two terms.
- The drop reflects growing concern over jobs, inflation, and the ongoing government shutdown, which is eroding public confidence in economic leadership.
These findings suggest that Americans are losing faith in Trump’s ability to manage the economy, once considered his political stronghold.
Overall Approval Also Drops
While economic sentiment has turned negative, Trump’s overall approval rating has also dipped:
- His presidential approval rating is now 44%, down from 46% earlier this year.
- 52% of respondents disapprove of his job performance since returning to office in January.
This marks a continuation of a long-running trend where Trump’s economic ratings trail his broader approval metrics, a reversal from his first term when the economy often buoyed his numbers.
Government Shutdown Blame Falls on Trump and GOP
The ongoing shutdown in Washington, D.C. is also fueling voter frustration:
- 53% of Americans blame Trump and Congressional Republicans for the closure.
- Just 37% blame the Democratic Party, suggesting the GOP bears the brunt of the public’s anger.
With federal workers unpaid, services paused, and uncertainty rising, the shutdown appears to be weighing heavily on Trump’s support base.
Inflation and Cost of Living Are Flashpoints
Perhaps the most damaging numbers for Trump came in response to his handling of inflation:
- A staggering 62% of Americans disapprove of how he’s managing inflation and the cost of living—the worst ratings he has received on any economic issue.
- Even among his supporters, concerns about rising grocery prices, housing costs, and interest rates are becoming more pronounced.
This growing discontent may limit Trump’s ability to leverage economic messaging in the run-up to the 2026 midterms or a potential re-election campaign.
Polling Snapshot
The CNBC poll surveyed 1,000 people nationwide with a margin of error of +/- 3.1%. It reflects a broader trend of economic anxiety colliding with political fatigue, particularly in the face of persistent government dysfunction.
Market Perspective: S&P 500 ETF Outlook
Despite political volatility, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) remains a popular benchmark for U.S. equities:
- SPY holds a Moderate Buy consensus among 504 Wall Street analysts.
- The average price target of $756.35 implies 14.18% upside from current levels, suggesting investor confidence remains relatively strong in corporate earnings and long-term growth, regardless of political headwinds.