Poll: Slim majority of Americans unhappy with Trump’s job performance, economy

Spread the love

More registered voters disapprove of President Donald Trump’s job performance thus far into his second term than approve, according to a new The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll.

Of the 2,659 registered voters surveyed nationally, 52% disapprove of his job performance, while 46% approve.

And while the president’s approval rating remains high among Republicans – and reaches nearly 90% among those who voted for him in the most recent presidential election – the president isn’t performing well among true independents. True independents are registered independents who don’t lean Republican or Democrat, and are often considered the deciding factor in elections. Sixty-five percent of true independents are unhappy with Trump’s performance, with just 24% approving and 7% indicating they strongly approve.

The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll was conducted by Noble Predictive Insights between March 2-5, 2026. The poll sample included 2,659 respondents, comprised of 952 Republicans, 934 Democrats, and 773 Independents, of which 330 are True Independents, which Noble Predictive refers to as independents who, when asked if they leaned toward one of the major parties, chose neither. It is among the most comprehensive tracking polls in the country.

Respondents were also asked separately whether they approved or disapproved of the president’s handling of the economy.

As the economy remains the top issue for voters, responses typically differed by 3% or less, if at all, from Trump’s approval overall. For example, 54% of men polled approved of Trump’s performance so far, compared to just 39% of women. When asked solely about the economy, the percentage for men remained the same, and the percentage of women dipped slightly to 36%.

When it comes to respondents’ level of education, Trump polled best on the economy among those with a post-graduate degree – though the difference between groups was only slight – with 48% indicating they approved. He polled five points lower with college graduates at 43% and four points lower with those who had completed some college or less, at 44%.

He polled higher with whites than with hispanics, latinos or blacks and lower with suburban and urban voters than rural voters, both on the economy and overall. Regionally, the South showed the strongest support for the president, with 50% indicating they approved of his job performance. His approval rating across the West, Midwest and Northeast was virtually the same, at 43%, 44% and 44%.

The president’s overall approval ratings for job performance and the economy remain virtually unchanged from about a year ago when the same questions were posed to 2,500 voters in a Voters’ Voice Poll.

The poll’s margin of error is +/- 1.9%.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WATCH: Illinois prison mail scanning rule faces lawmaker scrutiny

WATCH: Illinois prison mail scanning rule faces lawmaker scrutiny

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Emergency rules from the Illinois Department of Corrections to scan inmate mail are under review by...
Illinois quick hits: Edgar funeral details released; O'Hare measles exposure warning

Illinois quick hits: Edgar funeral details released; O’Hare measles exposure warning

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Edgar funeral details released Funeral services have been announced for former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar. The public can pay last respects...
WATCH: Leading IL House Republican urges Pritzker to address SNAP errors

WATCH: Leading IL House Republican urges Pritzker to address SNAP errors

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The leading Republican in the Illinois House is raising the alarm that Illinois taxpayers are on the...
WATCH: Pritzker criticizes Trump as feds make arrests in immigration enforcement blitz

WATCH: Pritzker criticizes Trump as feds make arrests in immigration enforcement blitz

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is questioning President Donald Trump’s health as federal authorities arrive in Illinois to ramp...
WATCH: Freedom Caucus files Pritzker impeachment; Trump says Chicago is next

WATCH: Freedom Caucus files Pritzker impeachment; Trump says Chicago is next

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the latest...
City Council 9.16.25.1

Casey Faces $1.1 Million Utility Deficit Amid Population Decline, Rate Hikes Likely

Article Summary: Mayor Mike Nichols revealed the City of Casey's utility departments operated at a nearly $1.1 million loss last fiscal year, a financial crisis driven by a significant population...
IL legislator: New public defender law adds costs, takes away local control

IL legislator: New public defender law adds costs, takes away local control

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Illinois law creates a statewide office to address public defender staffing gaps, but critics...
Illinois quick hits: Midway Blitz arrests announced; call for veterans tributes

Illinois quick hits: Midway Blitz arrests announced; call for veterans tributes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Midway Blitz arrests announced According to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested several dangerous...
Casey Library.3

Casey Library Renews $90,000 CD at 4.15%, Reports on Financial Health

Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | August 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board of Trustees received a positive financial update, including the renewal of a...
Casey Lions Club

Patsy Phillips Wins annual Lions Club Raffle

Lions Club members Bob Dougherty and Bruce Brown present Patsy Phillips with an $18,000 check for winning the annual Lions Club Raffle. The winning ticket was drawn at the 37th...
Ryan Staley_5134

City Council Hires New Superintendent of Utilities

Ryan Staley, 2007 graduate of Casey-Westfield High School, was hired as the new Director of Public Works for the City of Casey to replace Shelby Biggs, who will retire in...
'Peacekeepers' reportedly commit Chicago crimes as Pritzker calls for more funding

‘Peacekeepers’ reportedly commit Chicago crimes as Pritzker calls for more funding

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson push for more community violence intervention funding from...
WATCH: Trump says sending National Guard to Chicago 'probably next'

WATCH: Trump says sending National Guard to Chicago ‘probably next’

By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - President Donald Trump said Monday that Chicago is "probably next" to see the National Guard sent in...
Casey illinois library.1.logo graphic

Casey Library to Seek Third Bid for A/C Replacement; Friends of the Library Will Not Assist with Cost

Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | August 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board is seeking a third bid for a critical air conditioner replacement after...
Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar dies

Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar dies

By The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar died Sunday at the age of 79. Edgar, a Republican, served as governor from 1991...