Summary
Trump’s approval rating has turned negative in a new YouGov/Economist poll, with 50% disapproving versus 45% approving of his job performance.
This marks the first underwater rating in a month, following similar trends in other polls. Political experts attribute the decline to backlash against tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports and DOGE’s federal worker firings.
While Trump maintains stronger approval on national security (51%) and immigration (50%), he scores lowest on inflation (42%).
The poll shows a particularly sharp drop among independents, shifting from -5 to -17 approval margin.
Hardship does two things relevant here: It creates discontent, and can help build empathy. Both would eventually create a groundswell of support for bettering conditions across demographics.
The right has effectively neutered both, by being fast with their blame game. Even though they cause the hardship, they point the finger faster and louder at the immigrants, democrats, and minorities, both redirecting blame and severing empathetic ties.
There is a reason why this is the core part of the fascist playbook - it works.