President Donald Trump’s approval among working-class Americans has taken a steep dive, with just 31% of those earning $50,000 or less saying they support how he’s handling the job, according to a new YouGov/Economist poll.
The survey, conducted between Dec. 20 and Dec. 22, highlights a growing disconnect between the president and one of the key groups that helped him win re-election in 2024.
Among low-income respondents, 65% said they disapprove of Trump’s performance, while just 4% said they weren’t sure.
Support Drops as Economic Pains Grow
Many working-class voters chose Trump in 2024 after he promised to bring prices down and create more jobs “on day one.”
But persistent inflation, slower job growth, and increased financial pressure are weighing heavily on that same group two years into his second term.
The new poll shows a six-point drop in Trump’s net approval rating among low-income Americans compared to the previous month.
In November, 34% of those earning under $50,000 approved of his performance, and 62% disapproved, for a net rating of -28. That number now sits at -34.
Economic sentiment is clearly playing a major role. Just 29% of those earning under $50,000 believe the country is headed in the right direction, while 61% say it’s “off on the wrong track.”
When asked specifically about jobs and the economy, only 32% of low-income respondents said they approved of Trump’s performance, while 58% disapproved. Nearly half of those disapproved strongly.
Broader Trends Reflect Economic Anxiety
This working-class dissatisfaction comes as national economic confidence continues to erode.
The Conference Board’s latest consumer confidence survey showed the index fell for the fifth month in a row, reaching its lowest point since April.
“Consumers’ write-in responses on factors affecting the economy continued to be led by references to prices and inflation, tariffs and trade, and politics,” Dana M. Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board, wrote in the organization’s December release.
“However, December saw increases in mentions of immigration, war, and topics related to personal finances—including interest rates, taxes and income, banks, and insurance.”
The Conference Board also noted that its Expectations Index has remained below 80 for 11 straight months. That’s the threshold economists say signals a possible recession ahead.
While the latest GDP report showed stronger-than-expected growth in the third quarter, the labor market remains sluggish and inflation is still running above the Federal Reserve’s long-term target.
These ongoing challenges are making it harder for the president to reassure voters that things are improving.
Trump Blames Past Administration
Trump has responded by shifting blame to his predecessor and Congress.
In an address from the White House, he said, “Here at home, we’re bringing our economy back from the brink of ruin. The last administration and their allies in Congress looted our treasury for trillions of dollars, driving up prices and everything at levels never seen before. I am bringing those high prices down and bringing them down very fast.”
But that message doesn’t appear to be resonating with many of the same voters who once believed he would bring immediate relief.
Analysts say the lack of visible progress on kitchen-table issues, like groceries, rent, and wages, could weaken Republican momentum heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
A Warning Sign for 2026
Democrats have already started to use affordability concerns as a key part of their messaging in local and national races.
And within the Republican Party, some strategists are worried about the impact of these poll numbers on turnout.
The gap in optimism between income groups also suggests Trump’s messaging is finding more support among wealthier Americans.
The YouGov poll found that 40% of those earning over $100,000 say the country is headed in the right direction, compared to just 29% of those earning under $50,000.
As economic anxiety grows and political divisions deepen, the president faces an uphill battle to reconnect with a group of voters who once played a crucial role in his political comeback.
The numbers show that working-class approval is not just slipping, it’s collapsing.
Whether Trump can reverse that trend before the 2026 midterms remains to be seen.
For now, the working class’s confidence in his leadership has reached a new low.
IMAGE CREDIT: “Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Image adjusted for layout.