Lowest approval rating of his two terms

A Fox News poll conducted 9-12 October found that 36% of respondents rate Donald Trump's performance in office positively, while 64% disapprove. Coverage describes this as his lowest rating across both of his terms as president. The steepest drop in support was recorded among voters under 45, households earning less than $50,000 a year, non-white voters and people without a college degree. The survey covered 1,202 registered voters and carries a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points.

Divisions by party

Among Republican supporters, 76% back the president and 23% rate him negatively. Among Democratic supporters, 98% disapprove of his performance and 2% approve. Independent voters are split, with 22% approving and 78% disapproving. The gap between the two parties is the widest split in the poll's breakdown of political affiliation.

Republican supporters76%

Independents22%

Democratic supporters2%

Republican supporters

76 %

Independents

22 %

Democratic supporters

2 %

Data from the article text

Economy, tariffs and inflation

Disapproval is highest on economic matters at 70%, followed by tariffs at 69%, foreign policy at 64% and immigration at 56%. Border security is the best-rated area, with opinion divided evenly at 50% approval and 50% disapproval. Approval of how the administration is handling inflation has fallen to 22%, down from 36% a year earlier.

Economy70%

Tariffs69%

Foreign policy64%

Immigration56%

Border security50%

Economy

70 %

Tariffs

69 %

Foreign policy

64 %

Immigration

56 %

Border security

50 %

Data from the article text

Cost of living and the war with Iran

Trump's 2024 campaign centred on a promise to lower the cost of living. The war with Iran, which began on 28 February, has contributed to higher oil prices and energy costs. According to AAA, the average price of a US gallon (about 3.79 litres) of regular gasoline was about $4.33 on Wednesday, 14 October, which is $1.25 more than a year earlier. Trump has acknowledged that the conflict with Iran could hurt Republicans in the elections, while playing down concerns about rising fuel prices.

What the numbers measure

The poll was conducted between 9 and 12 October, so its figures reflect opinion during those four days. Its sample of registered voters is the basis for every percentage reported here, including the party and demographic breakdowns. The lower ratings for inflation and the economy show that cost concerns are weighing on the president more than his positions on border security, where opinion is evenly split.