A shift among a core political group: Recent polls indicate a decline in approval of President Donald Trump among White voters without a college degree, a key demographic group.
Multiple surveys now show a majority of this group disapprove of Trump, compared to his first term when disapproval did not exceed 47%.
Key Approval Ratings
- CNN poll: 51% disapproval.
- Fox News poll: 51% disapproval.
- NPR/PBS/Marist College poll: 52% disapproval.
- Pew Research Center poll: 52% disapproval.
- CBS News/YouGov poll: 54% disapproval.
The drop in net approval is stark. Trump’s net approval among this group fell from +26 in February 2025 to -2 in current CNN polling. CBS polling showed approval fell from 68% in February 2025 to 46% currently.
Economic Perceptions
Economic concerns appear to be a driving factor. A majority of these voters view Trump's policies negatively:
- 56% of non-college White voters say Trump's policies have worsened economic conditions (CNN).
- 56% say his tariffs have negatively impacted their finances (CNN).
- 60% say Trump's policies are making the economy worse in the short-term (CBS).
- 41% say they will make the economy worse over the long-term (CBS).
- 44% in a CBS poll say Trump does not care about their needs at all.
Political Implications
Despite the erosion in personal approval, the group remains strongly Republican in general election matchups.
- In the 2018 midterms, Republicans won this group by 24 points (61%-37%).
- The current generic ballot average shows Republicans leading by 17 points (55% to 38%) among non-college Whites.
- Some polls show exceptions, such as a New York Times/Siena College poll with 44% disapproval.