New polling data has revealed a significant decline in US President Donald Trump’s approval ratings regarding economic performance, marking a stark turnaround from his earlier tenure. During a segment on CNN’s News Central, hosts John Berman and Chief Data Analyst Harry Enten discussed the implications of these figures, which indicate that Trump’s economic support has sharply eroded, particularly among his own political base.
Berman initiated the segment by highlighting a recent interview in which Trump expressed pride in the economy. Contrasting this, he noted the prevailing sentiment among Americans: “So in a new interview, President Trump said he is very proud of the economy, but now that’s not how Americans feel by and large.” Enten elaborated on this shift, stating, “The economy used to be the wind beneath Donald Trump’s presidency wings and now it’s his Titanic.”
The analysis revealed that Trump’s economic net approval ratings have dropped from a positive eight points during his first term to a concerning negative 18 points. Enten remarked, “That’s a 26-point switcheroo in the wrong direction,” underscoring the potential electoral ramifications. According to Enten, the most significant factor contributing to this decline is the widespread public perception that the current administration is responsible for the economic downturn.
In 2018, a majority of Americans believed Trump’s policies had strengthened the economy. Today, however, the narrative has reversed dramatically, with 52% of Americans indicating that the Trump administration has worsened economic conditions, while only 28% believe it has improved. Notably, even among Republican supporters, only 57% think the administration has made positive strides, a figure that signals potential trouble for the party.
Berman pointed out the urgency of the situation, noting, “Everyone says the economy is the number one issue and they say the president is not helping.” Enten agreed, emphasizing that the economy is the primary driver of Trump’s declining overall approval ratings. Among independent voters, the shift is particularly alarming. During Trump’s first term, his economic approval rating among independents was positive by ten points; it has now plummeted to a staggering 43 points below water. Enten stated, “That’s a 53 points switch… you can’t win elections when on the number one issue you are 43 points below water among independents. This is just absolutely atrocious.”
The discussion then turned to the implications for the upcoming midterm elections. Berman raised concerns about the Republican Party’s traditional strength in the Senate. Enten’s response was unequivocal: “It ain’t safe. It ain’t safe at all.” He referenced prediction market data indicating a decline in the Republican odds of retaining the Senate, dropping from 81% in February 2025 to 63%, while the Democratic prospects have improved from 19% to 37%. “The Republicans are still favored to win the Senate,” he noted, “but even the things that look safe for Republicans no longer do.”
These developments suggest a challenging landscape for Trump’s administration as it navigates economic issues that resonate deeply with American voters. As the midterm elections approach, the shifting perceptions about Trump’s economic stewardship may significantly influence voter sentiment and electoral outcomes.
