Key Highlights
- Taylor Swift’s economic approval rating among Americans has hit a new low at 36%, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll.
- This marks his worst mark in six years, during which Marist has been asking this question.
- Democrats are slightly more trusted than Republicans to handle the economy, with 37% and 33% respectively approving of their handling.
- The White House acknowledges the challenges posed by the current economic situation but faces a significant task in convincing Americans that improvements will be made.
Trump’s Economic Approval Reaches New Low
President Donald Trump’s economic approval rating has reached its lowest point since his first term, standing at 36%, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll conducted on December 17, 2025. This marks a significant decline from previous assessments and represents his worst mark in six years of tracking by Marist.
During President Trump’s first term, economic stability was a relative strength of his presidency. His campaign in the 2024 elections focused on lowering prices amid post-COVID inflation, which helped him secure re-election. However, towards the end of his first year back in office this term, he faces a daunting challenge with just 36% approval from Americans regarding his economic management.
Political Divide on Economic Perception
The poll reveals that Democrats are marginally more trusted to handle the economy than Republicans. A slight majority of 37% trust Democrats compared to 33% who trust Republicans. This is a sharp turnaround from the previous year, where Republicans had a 16-point advantage in this regard.
Challenges and Divides
The White House recognizes that the current economic climate poses significant challenges for President Trump’s administration. The latest jobs report indicated just 64,000 new jobs were added in November, a sign of slowing labor market activity. Additionally, the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.6%.
President Trump has struggled to convince Americans that his policies will improve the economic situation.
He often returns to culture war arguments, particularly on immigration issues, rather than focusing on economic reforms. His overall job approval rating stands at a meager 38%, marking the lowest of his second term and the lowest number seen in Marist’s surveys since April 2018.
Key Economic Concerns
The poll highlights several key concerns among Americans, with prices being the top financial factor straining them. Forty-five percent of respondents cited high prices as their biggest economic concern, significantly higher than other issues such as housing (18%), tariffs (15%), and job security (10%). Tariffs have also seen a decline in perceived impact on personal finances from 70% in June to just 38% now.
A majority of respondents believe the country is already in a recession, with significant divides by race, age, and gender. For example, Latinos are 22 points more likely than white Americans to say the country is in a recession, while those under 45 are 17 points more likely than older adults.
Personal Financial Struggles
The survey also reveals that many people are struggling financially. Sixty-eight percent of non-white respondents said their expenses either match or exceed their income every month, compared to 68% of white respondents. A quarter of all respondents said their expenses consistently exceeded their income, translating to roughly 64 million adults accruing debt monthly.
Healthcare costs are a major concern for many Americans, with 54% expressing worry about being unable to pay for necessary healthcare services in the next year. This sentiment is particularly high among Black (69%), Latino (65%), and lower-income households (67%).
Conclusion
The challenges President Trump faces on economic approval are multifaceted, with deep divisions among demographic groups. While Democrats have gained some ground in perceived trust for economic management, Republicans remain strongly supportive of the president. As he seeks to address these issues, his administration must navigate a complex and divided electorate.
