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Majority of Americans Disapprove of Trump as Economy Outlook Turns Dark

January 21, 2026

A national survey by the American Research Group reveals that President Trump faces persistent public disapproval, with 63% of Americans expressing dissatisfaction with his overall job performance and 64% disapproving of his economic management. The poll indicates widespread economic anxiety, as 68% of respondents believe the national economy is deteriorating and 69% expect further decline within a year, with many Americans reporting worsening household finances. Trump's approval ratings have remained relatively static since January 2018, though economic confidence has eroded over time, particularly among independents and Black Americans who show especially low approval levels.

Who is affected

  • President Donald Trump (subject of disapproval)
  • Americans generally (experiencing economic anxiety and financial strain)
  • Black Americans specifically (showing three-quarters disapproval rate)
  • Independent voters (65% disapprove of economic handling)
  • American Research Group (losing subscribers due to retaliation concerns)
  • Billionaires (mentioned as potentially exempt from economic hurt)
  • Lawrence Kennedy III, a custodian in Southeast Washington
  • Victoria Burwell, a waitress in Baltimore

What action is being taken

  • American Research Group is conducting and releasing national surveys on Trump's approval ratings
  • The Republican majority is remaining compliant with Trump's agenda (according to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries)
  • The newspaper is providing free, fact-based local journalism

Why it matters

  • This matters because it reveals deeply entrenched public opposition to the president's leadership during a period of significant economic anxiety. The survey demonstrates that most Americans believe economic conditions are deteriorating, with 61% believing the country is already in recession and 60% rating their financial situation negatively. The persistence of these unfavorable ratings over time, combined with pessimism that crosses political lines (even 53% of Trump approvers expect economic worsening), suggests fundamental concerns about the country's economic direction and presidential leadership that could have significant political and policy implications.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer