Trump Approval Rating Falls as Americans Express Economic Concerns

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to around 30 percent in a new survey, with respondents also expressing concerns about the economy and the rising cost of living.

According to the American Research Group survey cited in the report, 68 percent of registered voters disapproved of Trump’s overall job performance, while 29 percent approved.

The survey placed his approval below 30 percent for the first time in the organisation’s polling during his current and previous presidential terms, according to the report.

The survey also found continued dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of the economy.

Only 26 percent of respondents approved of his economic performance, while concerns over inflation and rising household expenses remained prominent.

The ongoing conflict with Iran and higher fuel prices have added to concerns about the cost of living, according to the report.

Other recent surveys have also found significant public concern over the US economy, although approval ratings for Trump vary between polling organisations.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted September 17-20 found Trump’s overall approval rating at 32 percent among Americans.

The Reuters/Ipsos survey also found that Trump’s approval among Republicans had declined to 73 percent, compared with 86 percent in January. Approval of his handling of the US economy among Republicans fell from 80 percent to 56 percent, while approval of his handling of the cost of living fell from 70 percent to 44 percent.

The differing results illustrate how approval measurements can vary depending on the polling organisation, methodology and field dates.

The White House has defended the Trump administration’s economic policies and rejected negative assessments of the US economy.

The latest polling comes amid continued debate in the United States over inflation, household expenses, energy prices and the economic impact of the conflict involving Iran.