National Polls Show Record High Disapproval Ratings for President
Multiple surveys released between May 18 and May 20 found disapproval ratings reaching new highs across several metrics. The polls were conducted in mid-May among registered voters and adults.
NewsweekNational surveys released between May 18 and May 20 recorded new highs in disapproval ratings for the president across several measures. A New York Times/Siena College poll conducted May 11-15 among 1,507 registered voters found disapproval at 59 percent, the highest level recorded in that series.
The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points. A Fox News poll conducted May 15-18 among 1,002 registered voters showed 61 percent disapproval, also a record high for that series. The poll was carried out by Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
The Fox News poll found approval among Republicans at its lowest level of the current term. Republican pollster Daron Shaw said the decline was driven by concerns over affordability.
Disapproval of the president's handling of the economy rose to 71 percent in the Fox News poll, the highest level recorded in that series. Net approval on inflation reached a record low of minus 52 points. An AP/NORC poll conducted May 14-18 among 1,117 adults found 37 percent of Republicans disapproving of the president's handling of the economy, the highest level recorded for that group.
The same poll showed 30 percent of Republicans disapproving of the president's handling of the Iran war.
A YouGov/The Economist poll conducted May 15-18 among 1,549 adults found approval among those aged 30 to 44 at 28 percent, the lowest level of the current term for that group. The survey had a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points. Officials described the results as a temporary snapshot rather than a long-term trend.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- May 11-15, 2026
New York Times/Siena poll conducted among 1,507 registered voters.
1 sourceNewsweek - May 14-18, 2026
AP/NORC poll conducted among 1,117 adults.
1 sourceNewsweek - May 15-18, 2026
Fox News poll conducted among 1,002 registered voters.
1 sourceNewsweek - May 15-18, 2026
YouGov/The Economist poll conducted among 1,549 adults.
1 sourceNewsweek
Potential Impact
- 01
Republican candidates may face increased pressure in 2026 midterm races.
- 02
Party strategists may adjust economic messaging ahead of November elections.
Transparency Panel
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