Approval Rating Falls As Protests Set For April 19
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dipped below 50% for the first time in his second term, according to several major polls released this week. The decline comes on the heels of controversial new “Liberation Day” tariffs and rising fears of an economic downturn, pushing disapproval levels to their highest point since 2018.
Here’s what the latest polling data reveals — and why the numbers could signal trouble for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
What Is Trump’s Current Approval Rating?
Multiple polls now show Trump underwater in public opinion:
| Polling Source | Approval (%) | Disapproval (%) | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reuters/Ipsos | 42% | 49% | April 8 |
| Rasmussen Reports | 47% | 51% | April 8 |
| Harvard CAPS/Harris | 49% | 46% | April 7 |
| Wall Street Journal | 46% | 54% | April 6 |
| RealClear Polling Average | 47.5% | 49.9% | April 8 |
For the first time this term, Trump has lost majority approval even among traditionally conservative-leaning pollsters.
Why Are Approval Ratings Falling?
1. Backlash Over New Tariffs
Trump’s sweeping 10% baseline tariff on all imports — with additional duties on nations with trade surpluses — sparked a selloff on Wall Street and rattled investor confidence. Economists are warning of a recession risk:
- Dow Jones fell 349 points on April 7.
- Goldman Sachs raised recession odds to 35%.
- JP Morgan now pegs the risk at 40%.
“These tariffs are essentially a massive tax hike,” said former Federal Reserve Governor Frederic Mishkin, warning of stagflation — a mix of high inflation and slow growth.
2. Economic Anxiety Grows
Voter concern about the economy is surging:
- A Fox News poll found that 71% of Americans expect a recession in 2025.
- 58% say tariffs will increase inflation (Marquette University poll).
- Just 22% of Americans feel the country is heading in the right direction (Reuters/Ipsos).
Trump continues to defend his trade policy, insisting the tariffs are bringing “billions of dollars a week” into the U.S. and calling for the Fed to cut interest rates.
3. Renewed Protests and Activism
Resistance to Trump’s agenda is intensifying:
- Searches for “protest” are up 1,200% year-over-year.
- Over 1,300 rallies took place nationwide last week, protesting Trump and DOGE chief Elon Musk.
- Massive crowds gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., echoing 2017 anti-Trump demonstrations.
“If the resistance was lacking before, it’s alive now,” said CNN analyst Harry Enten.
How Does This Compare to 2018?
Trump’s current 43% disapproval mirrors levels last seen during the 2018 midterms, when Republicans lost the House by a 41-seat margin. Enten points out that Democrats are currently outperforming Kamala Harris’s 2024 showing by 19 points in special elections — a warning sign of possible red wave reversals.
“This kind of swing should make Republicans very nervous going into 2026,” said Democratic strategist Christy Setzer.
What Are Americans Saying?
Here’s how voters and experts are reacting:
- Kevin Thompson, financial strategist: “Tariffs are a hidden tax. Voters are waking up to that.”
- Christy Setzer: “Millions marched last weekend. I’d be very, very scared if I were a Republican running for re-election.”
- Jim Cramer, CNBC: “This feels like a setup for another Black Monday.”
Public dissatisfaction extends beyond the economy, with criticism of Trump’s handling of foreign policy and DEI rollbacks also contributing to the dip.
What Happens Next?
The political outlook will depend on several key developments:
- Economic indicators over the next quarter
- Response to international tariff retaliation
- Midterm campaign narratives from both parties
Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress, but Democrats are promising a 2026 comeback, fueled by a mobilized opposition coalition.
Bottom Line
Trump’s approval ratings are in decline as economic fears, aggressive tariffs, and revived protest movements fuel public discontent. With midterm elections just over a year away, the political tide may be turning — and fast.
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