Former President Donald Trump’s once-loyal base appears to be showing cracks as his approval rating dips, even among those who supported him in the 2024 presidential election.
According to a new YouGov/Economist poll, 84 percent of Trump’s supporters still approve of his job performance, while 14 percent now disapprove — giving him a +70 approval rating among his voters. This marks a four-point drop from August when he held a +74 rating.
When considering all respondents, only 39 percent approved of Trump’s handling of the presidency, compared to 57 percent who disapproved. The poll was conducted between October 31 and November 3, as the government shutdown entered its second month — the longest in U.S. history.
The economic toll is growing. Nearly 42 million Americans have been affected as their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits ran dry in November. While a lower court ordered funding restoration, the Supreme Court paused the decision, leaving millions in limbo.
The USDA initially announced compliance with the lower court’s decision but reversed course over the weekend, instructing states to undo payments. Food banks are overwhelmed, trying to feed millions of Americans after federal workers stopped receiving paychecks weeks ago.
Adding to the chaos, air traffic controllers and other federal workers remain unpaid. The FAA has reduced flight capacity across 40 major airports, triggering widespread delays and cancellations over the weekend.
The political fallout has been swift. Democrats made significant gains in recent elections, signaling frustration among voters. A separate Emerson College poll from early November found Trump’s national approval at 41 percent, with 49 percent disapproving — the inverse of his numbers when he first took office in January.
“Nearly one year after he was elected, President Trump’s approval has flipped since the first Emerson College poll of the new administration,” said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling.
Support among Republicans has also slipped, dropping 12 points since Trump’s inauguration — from 91 percent to 79 percent.
Unsurprisingly, Trump dismissed the polls as politically biased, posting on Truth Social:
“So many Fake Polls are being shown by the Radical Left Media, all slanted heavily toward Democrats and Far Left Wingers. In the Fair Polls, and even the Reasonable Polls, I have the Best Numbers I have ever had and, why shouldn’t I?”
With the shutdown intensifying, public frustration mounting, and support eroding within his base, Trump faces a critical test of leadership as he enters the next phase of his political comeback.
