Donald Trump just made history — but not the kind he’ll want to brag about. According to a wave of new polls, Trump’s approval rating among independent voters has plunged to the worst level of his political career, sounding alarm bells for his presidency and the Republican Party’s future.
Independents — the swing voters who often decide elections — are turning on Trump in record numbers, driven by fears over inflation, recession, and what critics call a reckless trade war strategy.
“Trump’s economic agenda is collapsing in real time,” said Dr. Thomas Gift, director of the Centre on U.S. Politics at University College London. “Independent voters are sending a clear message: the economy is broken, and they blame him.”
From Tariffs to Turmoil
The downward spiral began earlier this month, after Trump shocked markets with a sweeping new round of tariffs on Chinese and European goods. Economists warned of retaliation. Wall Street shuddered. Then came the backlash from voters.
In a CNN analysis by pollster Harry Enten, Trump’s net approval rating among independents has now hit -22 percent — worse than at any point during his first term. Some surveys are even bleaker: a YouGov poll conducted April 7–10 found just 30 percent of independents approve of his presidency, while 61 percent disapprove — a staggering net rating of -31.
“Independents oppose everything Trump is saying right now,” Enten said. “Tariffs? They’re against them. Inflation? He’s not fixing it. The economy? They think it’s getting worse. It’s just opposition across the board.”
A Crumbling Coalition
Independent voters helped lift Trump back into office in 2024, when 46 percent of them supported him — a noticeable jump from 2020. But that fragile coalition is now splintering under the weight of economic anxiety and policy chaos.
New numbers from HarrisX, CBS/YouGov, and Echelon Insights show disapproval ranging from 50 to 64 percent on Trump’s handling of the economy. On inflation, the numbers are even more brutal: 68 percent of independents disapprove of how Trump is dealing with rising prices.
Just 26 percent believe the economy is on the right track.
Meanwhile, only 37 percent of independents support his recent tariffs. A nearly equal number — 49 percent — are actively opposed. Half say reciprocal tariffs do more harm than good.
And it’s not just public opinion that’s souring.
On Tuesday, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon warned investors that Trump’s tariff policies are “material risks” to U.S. economic stability. “The chances of a recession are rising,” Solomon said during an earnings call. “We’re seeing a serious slowdown in global activity.”
Voices of Dissent
Even longtime Trump voters say they’re starting to regret giving him another chance.
“I voted for him because I thought he’d bring costs down,” said Barbara Simmons, a retired nurse from Ohio. “But now groceries cost more, my meds are up, and he’s starting trade wars like we’re in some reality show.”
Pollster Brett Loyd says this buyer’s remorse is showing up in the data.
“Independents gave Trump a shot in 2024, but they’re not seeing results,” Loyd told Newsweek. “Inflation isn’t going down, and the economy feels off-track. That’s a dangerous narrative for any president.”
A Warning for 2026 — and Beyond
With the 2026 midterms around the corner, Democrats are already seizing on Trump’s collapsing approval ratings as proof that his second term is spinning out of control.
“This is what happens when you govern through chaos and ego,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA). “Families are hurting. Inflation is rising. And instead of solutions, Trump gives us blame and bluster.”
While Trump still enjoys deep loyalty among Republican base voters, independents could once again swing the balance — just as they did in 2018 and 2020, when Democrats surged on the backs of economic dissatisfaction and Trump fatigue.
The Bottom Line
Trump’s falling numbers with independents are more than just a poll story — they’re a referendum on his leadership. From trade wars to grocery bills, voters are feeling the squeeze. And if Trump can’t turn things around soon, he may face a political reckoning even his most loyal supporters can’t spin away.
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Have decided voting is a waste of my time. I do not agree with liberals at all except in consideration to environment. Republicans… i agree with more but they are block heads who think decorative paper will save them. Ill pay taxes for 3 more years if i get a job. If democrats ever regain “power” i wont pay a dime towards that oblivious train wreck. Its been real! 😊
Whatever you’re smoking, it needs to stop. Your comment makes NO sense!
It’s 3 years too early to be worrying about Presidential Polls… just get the JOB DONE !!!
Rediculous. Don’t understand wh
He is Still 1000 Times Better Than Obama or Biden – Democr
Please explain why we’re better off with Trump as president. Instead of President Biden and President Obama. Thank you.
I’m an eighty-four year old registered voter and have NEVER been polled. Never forget, these same polls/pollsters had Hillary Clinton being elected President!
Trump is doing an excellent job. The democrats only knew one thing . Spend and steal every penny of taxpayers money we can get our hands on. And let’s use taxpayer monies to criminalize the DOJ using taxpayers dollars because we can. The best thing that has happened is the democrats committed suicide with Biden, Harris and tampon waltz. And will never ever be allowed to voice their rage and racist hatred towards the American taxpayers again! We will not let it happen!
Trump has some decent ideas , but trying to do too much at one time, and not thoroughly researching things before he implements them. Slow down and know the ramifications of everything before just getting that pen out for possibly signing something that could hurt the US instead of helping . I would like to see Elon Musk leave the White House permanently ,and go back to selling cars. He is not smart at all.
Here we go again. A liberal outlet claiming to be a news source quoting liberal pollsters!! I’ve never been polled either and I’m an Independent too!
But let’s see gas is down $2.59, eggs dropped from $9.95 to $7.50. My grocery bill for our family of 3 went down on average $37 per week..interest rates about the same, housing prices here in AZ about the same- so where is this inflation??? If there will be any inflation it’s from printing money and that comes from the huge deficits the US is running. Cutting government costs and getting agencies to focus on what they were created for not The Biden EPA parked tens of billions of taxpayer dollars at an outside financial institution in a manner that deliberately reduced the ability of EPA to conduct proper oversight. This kind of waste needs to be curtailed
Trump is doing great, quit your fkg whining, he has been in barely 199 days. What fkg biden caused will take 4 years to fix, Trump knows what he is doing, Americas dumcocraps are the ones lost.
I’m an Independent. SO is my spouse. We’re fine with President Trump.
Where does NextGen get their info? A Magic 8-Ball?