Trump’s Approval Hits Rock Bottom at 37%, and Even His Own Voters Are Feeling the Pinch

A new CNN/SSRS poll released on November 3 shows Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 37%, the lowest point of his second term. His disapproval rating has climbed to 63%, the highest of either of his two terms in CNN’s polling. It’s a grim picture for a president who often measures success by numbers.

That 37% approval puts Trump just one point above his lowest rating from his first term, when he dropped to 36%. For many inside the White House, it feels like a repeat of a moment they hoped was long behind them.

The survey, conducted between October 27 and 30, included 1,245 adults and carried a margin of error of ±3.1 points. Even allowing for that margin, the message is clear: Americans are unhappy, and many blame the president.

A solid majority, 68%, say things in the country are going badly. The last time frustration ran this high was back in January, right before Trump began his second term. Back then, optimism was a little stronger, gas was a little cheaper, and the public mood was less sour. Now, frustration has become routine, and much of it centers on the economy.

When asked what matters most, 47% of respondents pointed to “the economy and cost of living.” Another 26% said “the state of American democracy.” Both responses reflect deep concern about where the country is headed. About 70% described the current economy as “poor” or “very poor,” a harsh verdict for a president who has built much of his message on claims of economic strength.

The poll also shows that 61% of Americans believe Trump’s policies have made the economy worse. That’s a 10-point jump since March, showing growing frustration over time. In March, 51% blamed him for worsening conditions. By April, that number had risen to 59%. Now, at 61%, the trend looks firmly negative.

The government shutdown isn’t helping. The country is now in day 35 of the closure, matching the record set during Trump’s first term in 2019. Around 80% of people in the poll said the shutdown is either a “crisis” or a “major problem.” Meanwhile, 61% disapprove of how Trump is handling it. The remaining 39% may be feeling more patient—or perhaps just less directly affected.

Economic pressure remains the biggest source of anger. Inflation, grocery prices, and housing costs continue to weigh on families across the country. For a president who once declared the United States had “the strongest economy ever,” this is a tough narrative to defend. As one voter told CNN, “I don’t need a poll to tell me how expensive milk is.” It’s hard to argue with that kind of firsthand experience.

Trump and his supporters insist the numbers are misleading. He continues to blame “fake news” and Democrats for spreading what he calls “a phony narrative about the economy.” But the data tell their own story. Since July, his approval rating has dropped from 42% to 37%, while his disapproval has climbed from 58% to 63%. Even some within his own party admit privately that the trend is troubling.

This latest 63% disapproval rating is now one point higher than Trump’s previous record of 62%, which came in January 2021 as he was leaving office. For a president who prides himself on breaking records, this one is unlikely to make the highlight reel.

The New York Times polling average, which combines results from several surveys, currently places Trump’s approval at 43% and his disapproval at 55%. However, those numbers do not yet include CNN’s latest findings. Once they do, his overall standing could slip even further.

Taken together, the results show a country frustrated with its leadership and worried about its future. The public mood has turned sour, the economy remains shaky, and Trump is facing growing blame from all sides.

Featured image via X Screengrab