US President Donald Trump is facing his lowest approval numbers since returning to the White House, with a new Reuters/Ipsos poll revealing his public support has dropped to just 38%. The survey, conducted over four days ending Monday, November 17, shows growing American discontent with Trump's handling of economic pressures and the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Economic Discontent Drives Approval Decline
The poll indicates that only 26% of Americans approve of Trump's efforts to manage the cost of living, a decline from 29% earlier in November. This economic dissatisfaction cuts across party lines, with approximately one-third of Republicans expressing disapproval of the President's performance on this critical issue.
Trump's signature economic strategy of imposing higher import taxes has faced significant criticism from economists who argue it has contributed to rising prices. In response to mounting pressure, the Trump administration reduced tariffs on essential food items including coffee, beef, and bananas just last week.
Epstein Investigation Weighs Heavily on Public Perception
The Jeffrey Epstein case represents another major factor dragging down the President's popularity. The poll reveals that only 20% of Americans approve of Trump's handling of the Epstein investigation, with even Republican support standing at just 44% on this particular issue.
Public skepticism runs deep, with 70% of respondents believing the government is withholding information about Epstein's clients. This sentiment crosses political boundaries, affecting 87% of Democrats and 60% of Republicans alike.
The timing coincides with a significant legislative development as the Republican-controlled House votes on a bill to release Justice Department files related to Epstein. Trump had opposed this legislation for months but has recently indicated he would sign it if the bill passes the Senate.
Historical Context and Political Implications
Trump's current 38% approval rating represents a nine-point decline since January, bringing him near the lowest levels experienced during his first term. This places him in territory comparable to former President Joe Biden, whose approval previously fell to 35%.
While Trump maintains strong backing within his party, the declining popularity on economic and transparency issues could create vulnerability for Republicans in upcoming congressional elections. Despite these challenges, voters continue to view the Republican Party under Trump's leadership as having superior economic policies compared to Democratic alternatives.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey gathered responses from 1,017 US adults through online methods nationwide, carrying a margin of error of approximately ±3 percentage points.
