Economist/YouGov Poll: Trump’s Net Approval Among Independents at -38, Down From -20 Last Year

President Donald Trump’s net approval rating among independent voters stands at -38 in early May 2026, according to an Economist/YouGov poll conducted May 1-4. The survey found 25 percent of independent voters approve of President Donald Trump while 63 percent disapprove.

That represents an 18-point drop from a net approval rating of -20 among independents in the May 2-5 2025 Economist/YouGov poll.

The same May 1-4 2026 poll recorded President Donald Trump’s overall net approval rating among all adults at -22, with 36 percent approving and 58 percent disapproving. S.

4 percentage points. S. 4-point margin of error. Trump’s net approval among independents reached -47 in November 2025 before a partial recovery in early 2026 that has since reversed.

The latest figures indicate that independents have moved more sharply against the president over the past year than the electorate as a whole. Newsweek reported that independent voters often prove decisive in competitive congressional districts and swing states.

U.S. Adults. Roughly 48 percent of respondents strongly disapprove of President Donald Trump’s job performance according to that tracker compiled by Nate Silver and Eli McKown-Dawson. 8.

CNN’s Poll of Polls from April 16 to April 30 2026 put the president’s approval at 35 percent, disapproval at 63 percent and net approval at -28. President Donald Trump told Newsmax in a recent phone interview that his absence from ballots is distorting perceptions.

““It is a problem I'm not on the ballot. Everyone says if I was on a ballot, we'd win in a landslide. I have some of the best poll numbers I've ever had.””

“— President Donald Trump White House spokesperson Davis Ingle has argued that the 2024 election outcome remains the most meaningful measure of public support. Davis Ingle described President Donald Trump’s policy agenda as “popular and commonsense.” He said the administration is focused on economic issues including jobs, inflation, and housing. Davis Ingle also described President Donald Trump’s record as historically significant. Newsweek reported that the divergence between independent and overall approval underscores how much of the recent movement has been concentrated among voters without strong party alignment. The data suggest any stabilization seen in early 2026 proved temporary.”