White Voter Approval Drops

President Donald Trump’s approval among white voters has decreased. ActiVote polling reveals a drop of 7 percentage points since early summer. Other surveys also show dwindling support from this key electoral group.

In June, white responders were divided on Trump’s performance. ActiVote noted 47 percent approved and 49 percent disapproved. By July, approval fell 8 percentage points to 39 percent, while disapproval increased to 54 percent. August figures showed approval at 40 percent and disapproval at 54 percent.

Consistent Backing Erodes

This drop marks a shift among a group that has strongly backed Trump. According to Pew Research Center, 55 percent of white voters supported Trump in the 2024 presidential vote. Pew’s analysis also found white voters constituted 71 percent of the electorate that year.

Trump’s declining approval mirrors broader national trends. The latest Economist/YouGov poll from August 28-31 shows 36 percent of Americans approve of Trump, while 60 percent disapprove. Similarly, Quinnipiac University found Trump’s approval at a second-term low.

Economic and Military Concerns

The polling occurs amid ongoing economic worries and dissatisfaction with U.S. policy on Iran.

Quinnipiac’s survey shows 60 percent oppose military action in Iran, and 49 percent feel financially worse off than a year ago.

Other Survey Results

Another Economist/YouGov poll from July 25-27 indicates Trump’s net approval among white Americans fell to minus 14, a new low.

Among whites without college degrees, 43 percent approved, while 52 percent disapproved. A new pattern emerges among Trump’s usual support base.

In August, another Economist/YouGov poll showed his net approval among white Americans at minus 19.

Implications for Midterms

White voters have consistently supported Trump. Pew Research Center confirms he had 54 percent support in 2016 and 55 percent in both 2020 and 2024.

Trump won’t be on the November ballot, but declining numbers might impact GOP turnout or candidate support.

D. Stephen Voss from the University of Kentucky sees unique slippage in rural areas and less-educated white voters, potentially harming Republicans in historically strong districts.

Strong Republican Support Persists

Despite challenges, Trump retains firm backing from Republicans. Emerson College polling from August 16-17 found 86 percent approval from Republicans.

Economist/YouGov polling from August 14-17 showed 80 percent Republican approval, with 95 percent amongst MAGA supporters.

Trump Rejects Polling Results

Trump has criticized polls that depict his declining approval. On August 30, he condemned them in a Truth Social post.

Trump called the polls “FAKE” and demanded FCC intervention. A White House spokesperson referred Newsweek to this post when approached for comments.

Trump previously decried “Fake Polls” accusing Democrats of “Demoralization Operations” aiming to deter Republican voting.

For further information on this story, contact Newsweek editors Jason Lemon and Gray R. Thomas.