• Trump's approval rating fell to 42%, matching a low for his second term.
• Economic issues and tariff policies are major concerns for voters.
• Only 39% approve of Trump's handling of the economy, highlighting dissatisfaction.

President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 42%, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, reflecting public concerns over his handling of the economy. This marks a slight decline from 44% a week earlier and ties for the lowest approval rating he has received since beginning his second term. While this number aligns with historical trends, it remains higher than Trump's ratings during much of his first term and better than those of former President Joe Biden during his second half of 2021.

The poll, conducted from May 16 to May 18 among 1,024 U.S. adults, indicates that Trump's economic approval rating stands at 39%, with only a third of respondents approving of his management of the cost of living. This dissatisfaction is partially driven by his controversial tariff policies, which economists suggest may increase risks of recession. Trump's previous assertion of delivering a "golden age" for the U.S. economy seems strained under current public sentiment.

Additionally, there are indications that Trump's approval could affect Republican prospects in the forthcoming midterm elections due to the polarized political climate. The poll also notes that only 33% of those surveyed approve of Trump's response to rising living costs, reflecting a slight uptick from 31% last week, but the overall economic discontent looms large in voters' minds. As Trump's approval has stabilised around this lower threshold, political analysts caution against the potential implications for Republican electoral chances unless significant policy shifts occur soon.

Commentators point out that Trump's declining approval ratings are a troubling sign for his administration, especially considering the broader context of economic anxieties among the electorate. Analyst Craig Agranoff highlighted that ongoing low ratings—particularly in handling economic matters—can erode a president's political capital and weaken legislative effectiveness. As polls reveal, Trump's challenge remains in addressing these economic concerns effectively to reverse the trend in public opinion.