President Donald Trump’s approval averaged approximately 33 percent across three national polls released in September, as voters gave his handling of household costs some of its lowest marks.
Reuters/Ipsos found 32 percent approval in a survey conducted September 17 through 20. American Research Group recorded 29 percent in polling conducted September 16 through 20, while a Marquette Law School survey conducted earlier in the month placed approval at 37 percent. Each found that a majority of respondents disapproved of Trump’s overall job performance.
The Reuters/Ipsos result was the lowest recorded for Trump across the organization’s polling of his first and second presidencies. It also showed a decline in support among Republicans. Seventy-three percent approved of his overall performance, compared with 86 percent in January. On the cost of living, Republican approval of his handling of the issue fell from 70 percent in January to 44 percent.
American Research Group found 26 percent approval of Trump’s handling of the economy and 71 percent disapproval. Nearly three-quarters of its respondents said they believed the national economy was getting worse.
Marquette’s survey recorded 19 percent approval of Trump’s handling of inflation and the cost of living, and 20 percent approval of his handling of gas prices. His rating on border security was considerably higher, at 49 percent.
The White House has continued to defend its economic record, pointing to investment, jobs and other administration initiatives. It has also promoted Trump’s proposed $5,000 payment to adult citizens, which he has tied to Republicans retaining control of both chambers of Congress. The White House has not issued an identified response specifically addressing the latest Reuters/Ipsos result.
The polling comes as Republicans seek to hold the House and Senate in November. Reuters/Ipsos found registered voters favored Democratic congressional candidates over Republicans by 43 percent to 35 percent in its national survey. Control of Congress will be decided in individual state and district races.