Trump’s second-term approval has declined steadily from a January 2025 high near 47 percent to recent averages of 33–38 percent, with multiple August 2026 polls recording lows of 33–34 percent. Economic concerns—particularly inflation, cost of living, and unemployment—remain the dominant drag, alongside softening support among independents, Gen X, and younger voters. The November 2026 midterms loom as the key near-term catalyst, historically pressuring presidential ratings and prompting voters to register dissatisfaction at the ballot box. Any rebound would likely require measurable progress on pocketbook issues or successful legislative or diplomatic milestones before year-end, though current polling trends and the midterm environment limit expectations for substantial upside in the remainder of 2026.