Analysts cited persistent concerns about inflation and the cost of living as the main reasons for the weak approval. Although Trump and his spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt regularly emphasize falling prices for certain goods such as fuel or food, surveys show that younger people in particular are dissatisfied with their economic situation. Approval ratings have also recently declined in policy areas in which Trump had previously achieved comparatively good results, such as immigration policy.
Analyst Jesse Arm from the conservative Manhattan Institute also recognizes the dissatisfaction among young people. In an interview with the “Tagesschau” he points out that younger swing voters in particular are increasingly turning away from the president’s policies. Although the majority of the Republican core electorate still supports Trump, this is not necessarily enough for stable majorities in national elections.
At the same time, some economic indicators are comparatively positive. The US gross domestic product grew by 1.4 percent in the fourth quarter. In January, 130,000 new jobs were created and the unemployment rate fell from 4.4 to 4.3 percent. However, observers point out that positive macroeconomic data does not automatically translate into higher approval ratings.
For Trump, the current poll numbers are also important with a view to the upcoming midterm elections. Although the president himself is not up for election, the midterms are traditionally seen as an important test of sentiment for the government. Numerous seats in Congress will be reallocated. If the current trends solidify, they could change the majority there in favor of the US Democrats.
