Chicago – December 17, 2025
During President Donald Trump’s first term, the economy was widely viewed as one of his strongest assets. That reputation played a key role in the 2024 presidential campaign, when Trump promised to rein in prices and ease the economic strain left by post-COVID inflation. Those pledges helped propel him back into the White House.
However, nearing the end of his first year in office this term, public confidence in his economic leadership has eroded sharply. Just 36% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, according to a recent Marist poll. That level of dissatisfaction mirrors only one other moment in recent history: February 2022, when approval of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship hit similar lows.
Democrats Gain Ground on Economic Trust
Perhaps more striking is the shift in which party Americans trust more to manage the economy. Democrats now hold a slight edge, with 37% saying they trust Democrats compared to 33% for Republicans. While the margin is narrow, it represents a dramatic reversal from 2022, when Republicans enjoyed a commanding 16-point advantage on the same question.
The poll paints a bleak picture of the broader economic mood. Many Americans report difficulty making ends meet, deep concern about their personal financial futures, and anxiety over the nation’s economic outlook. A majority believe the United States is already in a recession, with sharp divides emerging across race, age, and gender.
White House Faces an Uphill Battle
The White House has acknowledged the economic headwinds and is attempting to center upcoming events and messaging around economic relief. Still, Trump has struggled to persuade voters that conditions are improving. Instead, he has often shifted focus to culture war issues, particularly immigration, which critics say distract from pressing economic concerns.
Trump’s Political Standing at a Low Point
Trump’s approval numbers extend beyond the economy. His overall job approval rating stands at 38%, the lowest of his second term and his weakest showing in Marist polls since April 2018. That year, his approval hovered around 41% heading into the midterm elections, when Republicans ultimately lost 40 seats in the House.
Disapproval is not only widespread but intense. Half of registered voters say they strongly disapprove of Trump’s performance as president.
Key Voter Groups Turning Away
Trump’s economic approval is underwater among several groups crucial to his coalition:
- Rural voters: 49% disapprove of his economic handling, compared to 43% who approve.
- White women without college degrees: 48% disapprove versus 41% who approve.
- Suburban voters: A decisive 60% disapprove, while just 33% approve.
Among independents, only 30% approve of Trump’s job performance, and approval among Democrats is a mere 8%.
Republican Base Remains Loyal
Despite these challenges, Trump continues to command strong support within his party. In the survey, 84% of Republicans approve of the job he is doing. While that figure is down five points from the previous month, it remains solid and within the poll’s margin of error.
Looking Ahead
With economic anxiety dominating voter concerns, Trump faces mounting pressure to deliver tangible improvements and shift public perception. Whether his administration can reverse the narrative on inflation, recession fears, and household finances may determine not only his approval ratings but also the political fortunes of his party in the elections ahead.
