New Poll Breaks Down Trump’s Approval Issue by Issue — And Inflation Is Dragging Him Down
A new Marquette University Law School national poll offers a detailed look at how Americans judge President Donald Trump on the issues that matter most right now — and the results show sharp weaknesses across the economic front.
The survey, conducted Nov. 5–
12, 2025 among 1,052 adults, gives Trump an overall 43% approval / 57% disapproval rating. But the issue-by-issue breakdown reveals where voters think the administration is falling short.
Inflation & Cost of Living
This is Trump’s worst number in the entire poll.
28% approve
72% disapprove
That’s a net –44 point deficit on the issue voters say affects them most directly: prices at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and in everyday life.
With 75% of Americans saying grocery prices have risen in the last six months, Trump’s problem on this issue is immediate and severe.
The U.S. Economy Overall
Trump fares slightly better here — but still underwater.
39% approve
61% disapprove
Voters aren’t buying the administration’s optimistic messaging. Concerns about wages, prices, child-care costs, housing shortages, and the threat of recession all show up in the broader economic numbers.
Handling of Government Shutdown Chaos
After weeks of brinkmanship and agency disruptions, Trump also posts negative numbers on how he has handled recent shutdown standoffs:
32% approve
68% disapprove
Shutdowns are historically unpopular with voters — and this poll shows the same pattern.
Immigration & Border Policies
On immigration, voters remain split but still lean negative:
41% approve
59% disapprove
This is one of Trump’s stronger issues relative to the rest of the poll, but still a majority disapproval.
Foreign Policy & Global Leadership
Amid global instability and heightened tensions in Europe and the Middle East, the president gets:
38% approve
62% disapprove
Americans express growing concern about U.S. standing abroad and Trump’s relationships with key allies.
Handling of the Epstein Files Fight
While not asked directly as “approval,” the poll shows Americans overwhelmingly favor transparency in government investigations — placing Trump on the wrong side of public sentiment after his attempts to delay the release.
This issue is emerging as a new political vulnerability for the White House heading into 2026.
The Big Picture
Trump’s overall approval sits at 43%, but the deeper numbers show a president struggling on the very issues voters care about most.
Inflation stands out as the dominant political problem — with the worst approval rating in the entire survey — and it’s harming Trump more than any other single factor.
With midterms approaching and economic frustration rising, these issue-level numbers are likely to play a major role in how both parties craft their 2026 messaging.