WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump’s approval rating has remained stuck at 40% in recent weeks, matching the lowest point of his current term, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday. The figure highlights ongoing challenges for the president as he grapples with declining economic signals, a controversial immigration crackdown, and complex diplomacy surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war.
The six-day survey closed just ahead of Trump’s highly anticipated meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zaleski. Days earlier, Trump had sat down with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to push forward his vision of a peace deal that critics argue would reward Moscow’s aggression.
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Approval Ratings Under Pressure
Trump’s approval rating has not budged since a similar Reuters/Ipsos survey in late July. At that time, 40% of respondents also expressed support for his performance. The figure represents a sharp seven-point drop from January, when he returned to the White House with a stronger showing of 47% approval.
The poll illustrates the narrowing of Trump’s coalition of support. While most Republicans continue to back the president, independent voters and minority groups have steadily drifted away. Among Hispanic Americans—a group that surprised many observers by swinging toward Trump in the previous election—approval has now dropped to 32%, equaling the lowest level of the year.
“The erosion among Hispanic voters is significant,” said Jennifer Turner, a political analyst at Georgetown University. “It suggests that immigration enforcement policies are overshadowing any economic or cultural gains Trump had made with this demographic during his last campaign.”
Tensions Over Russia and Ukraine
Foreign policy has become another complicating factor. More than half of Americans surveyed—54%—said they believe Trump is too closely aligned with Russia, including one in five Republicans. The skepticism comes at a time when Trump has intensified efforts to broker a peace settlement in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The president has signaled openness to Russia’s demand that Ukraine cede territory as part of a deal to halt the conflict. Such a stance has generated controversy both abroad and at home, fueling accusations that Trump is undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty in favor of placating Moscow.
“Americans generally support diplomatic solutions, but they are wary of any arrangement that looks like a concession to Putin,” explained Dr. Michael Hayes, a professor of international relations. “That perception is hurting Trump among moderates and even some conservatives.”
The poll closed just hours before Trump’s scheduled meeting with President Zelenskiy, which many observers expected to be tense. The Ukrainian leader has consistently rejected any agreement requiring territorial concessions.
Crime and Immigration Policies
Beyond foreign affairs, Trump faces domestic headwinds over crime and immigration. Only 42% of respondents approved of his handling of crime, and 43% supported his immigration policies. Those figures are only marginally higher than his overall approval and reflect persistent polarization.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has pursued one of the most aggressive immigration enforcement agendas in modern U.S. history. He ordered federal agencies to step up raids on undocumented immigrants, deploying masked agents to conduct arrests in cities across the nation.
The policy sparked widespread protests, particularly in Los Angeles, where roughly half the population identifies as Latino and many have close ties to immigrant communities. Demonstrators criticized the tactics as heavy-handed and harmful to families.
In addition, Trump recently dispatched National Guard troops and federal agents to Washington, D.C., citing concerns about violent crime. Although crime had spiked in 2023, local statistics show it has been falling rapidly in recent months. Critics argue the deployment was more about political optics than necessity.
The Economic Undercurrent
Trump’s approval struggles also coincide with signs of economic weakness. The labor market, once touted as a pillar of stability, has shown signs of slowing, with new data indicating weaker job growth and rising layoffs in certain industries.
Economic uncertainty has historically weighed heavily on presidential approval ratings. While Trump continues to receive strong backing from his base on economic issues, concerns about the broader outlook may be eroding confidence among swing voters.
“Presidents rarely escape the political consequences of a weakening job market,” noted Mark Ellis, a senior economist with the Brookings Institution. “Even small downturns in employment can create a sense of vulnerability among working-class Americans.”
Republican Support Remains Strong
Despite weak numbers among independents and minority groups, Trump retains robust support within his own party. Most Republicans continue to approve of his performance across the board, underscoring the enduring strength of partisan loyalty.
This dynamic has shielded Trump from a complete collapse in public opinion. However, experts warn that clinging solely to Republican backing may limit his ability to govern effectively in a divided nation.
“He doesn’t have a coalition that extends beyond his core base right now,” said Turner. “That makes it harder to push through major initiatives and harder to maintain credibility abroad.”
What the Numbers Mean Going Forward
Trump’s approval rating at 40% places him in a precarious position. Historically, presidents with approval ratings below 45% have faced difficulties advancing their agendas and performing well in subsequent elections.
For Trump, the challenge will be whether he can broaden his coalition while balancing contentious policies. His approach to immigration has energized his base but alienated many independents and minority voters. His foreign policy maneuvers have created opportunities for diplomatic breakthroughs but also exposed him to criticism of being too lenient toward Russia.
Meanwhile, the economy looms as a critical factor. If economic conditions worsen, even staunch Republican support may not be enough to shield him from broader discontent
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is President Trump’s current approval rating according to the Reuters/Ipsos poll?
The poll shows Trump’s approval rating holding at 40%, which matches the lowest point of his presidency.
How has Trump’s approval rating changed since he returned to the White House in January?
His rating has dropped seven points, falling from 47% in January to 40% in mid-August.
Which voter group has shown the sharpest decline in support for Trump?
Hispanic voters, with only 32% approving of his performance—the lowest level of the year for this group.
What issues are most affecting Trump’s approval rating?
Immigration crackdowns, concerns over crime, foreign policy toward Russia and Ukraine, and signs of economic weakness are key factors.
How do Americans feel about Trump’s relationship with Russia?
Over half of respondents—54%, including one in five Republicans—believe Trump is too closely aligned with Russia.
How do Americans rate Trump’s handling of immigration and crime?
Just 43% approve of his immigration policies, while only 42% approve of his handling of crime.
Does Trump still have strong support among Republicans?
Yes, the majority of Republicans continue to back him, even though his support among independents and minorities has declined.
Conclusion
President Donald Trump’s approval rating holding at 40%—the lowest point of his presidency—underscores the difficult political environment he faces. While unwavering Republican loyalty sustains his base, eroding support among independents and Hispanic voters highlights the limits of his appeal. His tough immigration policies, controversial approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and a weakening labor market are shaping public perception, leaving him vulnerable at a critical moment. Unless Trump can broaden his coalition and address growing economic and foreign policy concerns.
