Substrate
politics

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.

Newsweek
1 source·May 22, 9:00 AM(7 days ago)·1m read
National Polls Show Record High Disapproval Ratings for PresidentNewsweek
Audio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.

National 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

59 percent disapproval
New York Times/Siena poll record high
61 percent disapproval
Fox News poll record high
71 percent disapproval
Economy handling in Fox News poll
28 percent approval
Among 30-44 age group in YouGov poll

Story Timeline

4 events
  1. May 11-15, 2026

    New York Times/Siena poll conducted among 1,507 registered voters.

    1 sourceNewsweek
  2. May 14-18, 2026

    AP/NORC poll conducted among 1,117 adults.

    1 sourceNewsweek
  3. May 15-18, 2026

    Fox News poll conducted among 1,002 registered voters.

    1 sourceNewsweek
  4. May 15-18, 2026

    YouGov/The Economist poll conducted among 1,549 adults.

    1 sourceNewsweek

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Republican candidates may face increased pressure in 2026 midterm races.

  2. 02

    Party strategists may adjust economic messaging ahead of November elections.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score75%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count290 words
PublishedMay 22, 2026, 9:00 AM
Bias signals removed2 across 1 outlet
Signal Breakdown
Loaded 1Editorializing 1

Related Stories

Trump Meets Advisers to Decide on Iran Ceasefire ExtensionBBC News
politics1 hr ago

Trump Meets Advisers to Decide on Iran Ceasefire Extension

President Trump said he is holding a Situation Room meeting to make a final decision on a possible deal with Iran. The proposed agreement would extend the ceasefire by 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Al Jazeera
JA
MA
AF
AJ
+6
11 sources
Trump to Decide on Iran Deal in Situation Room Meetingmiddleeasteye.net
politics1 hr ago

Trump to Decide on Iran Deal in Situation Room Meeting

President Trump said Friday he is heading into the Situation Room to make a final determination on a potential agreement with Iran. The proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tolls and require destruction of Iran's highly-enriched uranium.

LI
Just the News
CBS News
3 sources
Vietnam Clears Graves for Trump Organization Project in Hung Yen Provincebenzinga.com
politics1 hr ago

Vietnam Clears Graves for Trump Organization Project in Hung Yen Province

Farmers in Hung Yen province are exhuming family graves to make way for a $1.5 billion Trump Organization development that includes hotels, villas and a golf course. The project, approved last year, has drawn local resistance over compensation levels and relocation of remains.

The Independent
1 source