CNN Poll Shows Trump's Economic Approval at Record Low of 31% Amid Cost-of-Living Concerns

By Neutral News Desk

*Published: 2026-05-12*


A recent CNN/SSRS poll reveals that President Donald Trump's approval rating on the economy has reached approximately 31%, a record low during his public career. The survey, conducted amid ongoing discussions about affordability, found that 77% of Americans attribute rising living costs to the president's policies, including a majority of Republicans. Additionally, 73% of respondents described current economic conditions as poor.

CNN host Kate Bolduan highlighted the poll's findings during a broadcast, noting widespread anxiety over affordability. She stated that Americans are concerned about paying bills, particularly unexpected ones, with about two-thirds reporting they could not comfortably cover a $1,000 emergency expense.

David Chalian, CNN's political director, analyzed the results further, describing the economy as the dominant issue for voters. He pointed to a persistent pessimistic outlook—now in its fifth year—despite some strong structural indicators. Chalian referenced post-COVID economic dynamics, where individuals report insecurity in personal finances and daily expenses, even as broader metrics show resilience.

Objective economic data provides contrast to these perceptions. In the first quarter of 2026, U.S. GDP grew by 2%, unemployment stood at 4.3%, and the S&P 500 had risen 22.5% since Trump took office in January 2025. These figures align with Chalian's mention of "strong structural things" in the economy, even as public sentiment remains negative.

Gas prices have contributed significantly to feelings of economic insecurity, particularly since the onset of the 2026 Iran war, which disrupted oil markets including the Strait of Hormuz. The poll showed Trump's approval on gas prices falling below 50% even among Republicans. On inflation, 60% of Republicans approved of his handling, while 40% disapproved—a split Chalian noted as notable, given Trump's emphasis on these issues during his 2024 campaign.

Bolduan described the economy as "once considered President Trump's strongest issue," with the poll signaling challenges on this front. Chalian added that while some economic fundamentals remain solid, voter focus on prices and personal financial security dominates.

Right-leaning outlets such as Fox News and Breitbart have not prominently covered this specific CNN/SSRS poll. Instead, their recent reporting has emphasized the impact of the Iran war on energy prices and highlighted Trump's handling of national security and economic growth metrics.

The poll's topline results underscore a gap between macroeconomic indicators and household-level experiences. For instance, while GDP and stock market gains reflect expansion, surveys consistently show consumer worries over inflation and energy costs, exacerbated by geopolitical events like the Iran conflict.

Trump's overall economic approval of 31% marks a decline from prior highs, when the issue bolstered his support. The White House has attributed affordability pressures to external factors, including global supply chain issues and the war in Iran, rather than domestic policies alone.

This CNN/SSRS survey, released in early May 2026, sampled U.S. adults and carries a margin of error of approximately ±3.5 percentage points.

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