US President Donald Trump has experienced a notable drop in approval ratings, according to a recent poll. While Republican party loyalty remains high, public sentiment regarding the economy and inflation has soured significantly.

The 22% approval rating for inflation and cost of living

President Donald Trump's ability to manage the US economy is facing severe scrutiny from the American public. According to the report , only 30% of respondents approve of his handling of the economy , with that number dropping further to 22% when specifically asked about inflation and the cost of living.

This decline suggests a growing disconnect between the administration's economic messaging and the lived experience of the electorate. When voters feel the direct pressure of rising prices, the perceived efficacy of the President's policies often takes a hit, regardless of broader macroeconomic indicators.

Why 71% of Republicans still follow Trump's primary endorsements

Despite the economic downturn in polling, Donald Trump continues to wield immense power within the Republican Party.. The survey, conducted from May 20-26, 2026, found that 71% of participating Republicans would support a primary candidate endorsed by the President, while only 20% would vote for an incumbent Republican whom Donald Trump opposed.

This data highlights a broader trend in modern American politics: the decoupling of policy performance from party loyalty. The fact that a vast majority of the GOP base remains aligned with Donald Trump's endorsements, even as his economic approval sinks , indicates that his influence is rooted more in personal brand and party identity than in specific legislative or economic successes.

The 18% who believe US goals in Iran were met

Foreign policy remains a point of contention and skepticism for the American public. As the report says, only 18% of Americans believe that the United States has successfully achieved its objectives in Iran, and a mere 28% of respondents believe the war has been worth the cost.

These figures suggest that the administration's strategy in the Middle East has failed to build a convincing narrative of victory or necessity. the low percentage of support for the Iran strategy mirrors the dissatisfaction seen in the economic data, pointing to a general trend of skepticism toward the administration's core pillars of governance.

The 61% approval for East Wing modernization

Interestingly, some of the President's domestic projects have gained traction over time. Support for the modernization of the White House East Wing rose to 61% in May, a significant increase from the 41% approval recorded in November.

Additionally, the survey indicates that support for extending tax creidts has remained remarkably stable. In May, 71% of respondents believed the credits should have been extended, compared to 70% in November. This stability suggests that while the public is critical of the President's overall economic management, there is a consistent, bipartisan-leaning demand for specific financial relief measures.

Who are the 29% of Republicans resisting Trump's endorsements?

While the majority of the GOP remains aligned with Donald Trump, the survey reveals a persistent minority of dissent. If 71% follow his lead, there remains a nearly 30% segment of the party that is not automatically aligned with his primary picks.

The source does not specify the demographics or the specific grievances of these dissenting Republicans. It remains unclear whether this group represents a growing moderate wing of the Republican Party or a faction of the base that is beginning to prioritize economic results over personal loyalty to the President.