It looks like President Donald Trump is back in favor with white voters, as indicated by a recent poll.
A survey conducted by The Economist / You Gov reveals that Trump’s approval among this group has shot up by 8 percentage points after experiencing a decline. Now, the approval rating stands at a positive value for Trump among white voters.
So, Why Should We Care?
White voters are crucial to Trump’s support base. The Associated Press reported that over 80% of Trump voters in the upcoming 2024 election are white. According to the Pew Research Center, 55% of white voters cast their votes for Trump in both the 2020 and 2024 elections, with a slight drop to 54% in 2016.
Securing their support will be vital for the Republican Party overall as they prepare for the important midterms in November 2026.
Quick Stats
The recent polling indicates that Trump’s net approval rating among white voters has improved, rising from a negative -2 percentage points in July—where 47% approved and 49% disapproved—to a more favorable +6 percentage points in September. In the latest figures, 51% of white respondents support Trump while 45% do not.
There have been notable shifts in support among other demographics as well. For instance, recent polling shows a decrease in backing from rural voters. Additionally, other national surveys point to a growing number of individuals who view Trump’s presidency unfavorably.
For example, The Times recently reported via YouGov that disapproval of Trump’s job performance has climbed from 52% in April to 57% in July.
Furthermore, a Quinnipiac poll released last month noted Trump’s approval dropping to just 37%, against a 55% disapproval, marking a troubling low for him.
Thoughts from Experts
William F. Hall, an adjunct professor of political science and business at Webster University, shared with Newsweek that this change could reflect factors that aren’t immediately obvious.
“The shift in Trump’s approval rating from down to up, especially among white voters, might indicate a deeper and more worrisome issue—growing divisions and tensions among various demographic groups in our society, stemming from race and ethnicity, as well as the escalation of racially charged polarization in general,” Hall explained.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s popularity is likely to have its ups and downs as his term progresses.
We will get a clearer picture during the midterm elections set for November 2026, when everything will be put to the test.
