Trump’s Approval Declines Amidst Record Lows for Democrats in New Polls

Trump’s Approval Declines Amidst Record Lows for Democrats in New Polls

President Donald Trump faces significant challenges as his approval ratings plunge into negative territory just three and a half months after his return to the White House. However, he is not alone in this political battleground, as the Democratic Party is also experiencing a sharp decline in favorable public opinion.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin emphasized the party’s current focus on supporting hardworking Americans during a recent interview on Fox News Sunday. He stated that the aim is to advocate for those who feel left behind in what he referred to as the Trump economy. Despite these efforts, many Americans appear skeptical about the Democrats’ ability to meet their needs.

Record Low Favorability Ratings

The latest Fox News national poll illustrates a troubling trend for the Democratic Party, recording a favorability rating of only 41%, compared to an unfavorable rating of 56%. This marks an all-time low for the party in Fox News polling history. Alarmingly, this is the first instance in a decade where the Democrats’ standing has fallen below that of the Republican Party, which presently enjoys a 44% favorable rating against a 54% unfavorable rating.

Such figures represent a stark contrast from last summer, when the party’s favorability was significantly higher in a similar survey conducted by Fox News.

A Broader Trend in Public Perception

These numbers from Fox News are not isolated. Further data from the Pew Research Center reveals even lower support for the Democratic Party, with 38% favorable and 60% unfavorable in a poll conducted in early April. Additionally, a Wall Street Journal poll earlier in the month recorded similar findings, with 36% favorable and 60% unfavorable ratings.

Further corroboration comes from national polls from Quinnipiac University, CNN, and NBC News conducted earlier this year, all showing the Democrats’ approval ratings hitting historic lows.

Declining Confidence in Leadership

A Gallup poll, released early last month, indicates a worrying decline in confidence in the Democratic leadership. The rating sunk to 25%, which is a significant drop from the previous low of 34% recorded just last year. This lack of confidence extends to younger voters; the semi-annual Harvard Youth Poll revealed that approval ratings for Congressional Democrats among Americans aged 18-29 have drastically fallen.

Trust Issues with Key Issues

Recent polling data highlights that more respondents trust Trump over Congressional Democrats regarding the nation’s pressing issues. An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll conducted in mid-April found that 40% of respondents favor Trump to handle key problems, compared to just 32% for the Democrats.

Moreover, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Republicans gaining traction over Democrats on key issues such as the economy and immigration—areas where public sentiment often shapes electoral outcomes.

The Impact of Recent Elections

Since last November’s elections, where Republicans regained control of both the White House and the Senate, the Democratic Party has found itself in a precarious situation. Republican gains among Black and Hispanic voters, as well as younger demographics—all traditional bastions of Democratic support—have further complicated their political landscape.

In the wake of Trump’s return to power, a more energized and frustrated Democratic base is pushing party leadership to adopt a bolder approach against the president’s controversial agenda. There’s a growing demand for Democrats to take a stronger stance.

Internal Dynamics and Party Sentiment

Analyzing the current sentiment, one Democratic strategist noted that there has been a proactive effort among some Democrats to address longstanding brand issues. The recent poll from Fox News shows a 10-point drop in favorability among self-identified Democrats, falling from 87% last summer to 77% last month.

In contrast, the Republican Party experienced a slight gain in favorability. Currently, 83% of self-identified Republicans express a favorable view of their party, a small decline from 85% in April.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Midterms

Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for Democrats. Chris Anderson, a Democratic pollster who collaborates with Republican Daron Shaw on Fox News surveys, contends that the higher favorability for the Republican Party stems primarily from Democrats feeling dissatisfied with their own party. He adds that such discontent is unlikely to translate into favorable conditions for Republicans in the upcoming midterms, as Democrats are likely to rally together, and independents are leaning towards the Democratic side.

The Fox News poll suggests that if the 2026 midterm elections were to occur today, 49% of voters would favor a generic Democratic candidate in their congressional district, while 42% would support a generic Republican. This data signals a critical moment for both parties as they navigate an evolving political landscape.

Fox News contributor Victoria Balara contributed to this report.