President Donald Trump’s approval rating among white voters has decreased by 7 percentage points since early summer, according to ActiVote polling. Other surveys have shown similar weakening support from this group, crucial to his electoral coalition.
In June, ActiVote reported that white respondents were nearly split on Trump’s job performance. 47% approved, while 49% disapproved. By July, approval dropped to 39%, and disapproval increased to 54%. In August, approval slightly rebounded to 40%, but disapproval remained at 54%.
The August poll included 1,000 responses collected between August 1-31, with participants providing ratings on a five-star scale. ActiVote converted these into standard approval/disapproval percentages. The June and July polls had 478 and 767 respondents respectively.
White voters have historically supported Trump with strength. A Pew Research Center analysis of validated voters showed that 55% of white voters backed Trump in the 2024 election, and they accounted for 71% of the electorate.
Trump’s declining approval among white voters coincides with broader national approval issues. The Economist/YouGov poll from August 28-31 indicated that only 36% of Americans approved of Trump’s performance, while 60% disapproved. A Quinnipiac University poll conducted in late July found his approval rating at the lowest of his second term.
The polls reveal ongoing concerns about the economy and dissatisfaction with the war in Iran. Quinnipiac’s survey showed 60% of voters opposed U.S. military action in Iran, and 49% reported being financially worse off compared to the previous year.
Other Poll Findings
An Economist/YouGov poll from late July revealed Trump’s average net approval among white Americans plummeted to minus 14, marking a new low. Among white Americans without college degrees, 43% approved and 52% disapproved of his job performance, with a net approval change from plus 27 to minus 6.
Another Economist/YouGov poll in August showed Trump’s net approval among white Americans decreased further to minus 19, the lowest recorded for him by YouGov.
Potential Impact on Midterms
White voters have consistently supported Trump in his presidential campaigns. He won 54% in 2016 and 55% in both 2020 and 2024, according to Pew’s analysis.
While Trump won’t be on the midterm ballots, his declining approval might influence Republican turnout or candidate support. D. Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, explained to Newsweek that the Republican base alone is insufficient for election victories, requiring support from less consistent voters and independents.
Voss noted Trump’s unusual support loss among different voter demographics, impacting rural areas and white voters without college education. This shift in disapproval could challenge Republicans in traditionally strong districts.
Trump’s Continued Republican Support
An Emerson College poll from mid-August found 86% of Republicans approved of Trump’s performance. Overall approval stood at 40%, with 56% disapproving. Economist/YouGov surveys from earlier in August indicated 80% Republican approval as well.
Support surged among Republicans identifying as MAGA supporters, with 95% approval.
Trump’s Response to Polls
Trump has frequently criticized polls showing declining approval. On August 30, he dismissed recent polling in a Truth Social post, suggesting bias.
“THE FAKE POLLS USED BY OUR CROOKED MEDIA ARE OUT OF CONTROL, AND SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT IT,” he wrote, invoking the FCC for action.
A White House spokesperson pointed Newsweek to this post for comments on his recent polls.
On August 24, Trump similarly decried polling, accusing Democrats of inflated “Demoralization Operations” aimed at discouraging Republicans from voting, while asserting strong actual polling results.
For further details, contact Newsweek editors Jason Lemon and Gray R. Thomas.
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