Recent evaluations show that while President Donald Trump receives favorable feedback on border security and public safety, he struggles with perceptions of the economy. Many voters are grappling with rising prices, and only a minority feel optimistic about their financial situation. In fact, over half think that conditions are deteriorating under the current administration.
A national Fox News survey reveals that, by a 22-point margin, more voters (52%) believe the Trump administration has worsened the economy compared to those (30%) who think it’s improved. Interestingly, these sentiments are similar to perceptions of the Biden administration and starkly contrast how voters felt during Trump’s first term eight years ago.
The poll indicates a notably negative view of the economy, with a striking 71% expressing discontent and only 29% feeling positively. This feeling mirrors the economic climate when Trump first took office. For over four years now, fewer than 15% say they’re experiencing financial progress, though that figure is merely a bit behind what it was.
However, there are some silver linings. About a year back, 48% of voters considered gas prices a significant concern for families, but that number has dropped to 33%. Feelings about housing and grocery prices have also softened, though issues with utility (up by 2 points) and healthcare costs (up by 7 points) are rising in prominence.
Republican pollster Daron Shaw noted that the public hasn’t adjusted to high grain prices, suggesting the Trump team recognizes this ongoing issue. It seems people are expecting not just stability in prices but a decline, indicating potential trouble for the GOP in 2026.
Contrary to some optimism, voter sentiment remains largely negative regarding the economy, which is viewed as the most pressing issue (37%). Other concerns like immigration and border security follow at 13%, healthcare at 11%, and political matters also at 11%. Both Democrats and Republicans largely see the economy as the nation’s top problem.
Looking towards the future, there’s a distinct pessimism. Approximately 62% of voters think that future generations will have it worse, which is the highest sentiment recorded in a Fox News poll since 2002. This figure rose from 53% a year ago. Parents are slightly more optimistic at 44%, compared to a greater sense of dread among Democrats and independents, where about eight in ten feel the future looks grim.
In terms of Trump’s economic approval, it stands at 39%, a slight improvement from record lows, while his handling of tariffs and cost-of-living issues is viewed positively by only 36% and 32%, respectively. He does enjoy higher ratings related to immigration (47%) and crime (50%), with his strongest approval at 57% for border security—his highest yet according to this polling. A small’ drop in crime concern has been noticed, with 32% very worried, down from 48% just two years ago.
Many voters (53%) believe that the federal government has some role in crime rates in larger cities, and Trump has made moves like dispatching the National Guard to aid police in Washington, D.C. Currently, 46% disapprove of Trump’s overall job performance, with the highest approval reaching 49% shortly after he began his term. Notably, 88% of Republicans in this poll support his work, while support from younger men and Hispanics also skews favorable.
As for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his role as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, nearly half of voters approve of his work, showing greater support from parents compared to non-parents. Jerome Powell also holds a 49% approval rating from voters in connection with his position as chairman of the Federal Reserve.
Opinion survey
Most voters believe that since Trump took office, the country has only become more divided. The sentiment is about double what Trump himself believes, surpassing the 54% who felt under Biden that division was an issue four years ago.
In terms of personal favorability, Trump holds a 43% positive rating, while 57% view him negatively. Among various political figures, he shares similar negative favor ratings with vice presidents and governors from opposing parties. Most Americans feel that the president should adhere strictly to the law, although a quarter think times may require some bending of rules. This viewpoint has remained consistent.
Voter confidence is notably higher in district courts than in federal courts or the Supreme Court, with a significant partisan divide present. Three-quarters of Republicans express confidence in the Supreme Court, compared to fewer independents and Democrats.
The FOX News survey was conducted between September 6-9, 2025, involving 1,004 registered voters drawn randomly from national voter files. The margin of error for the full sampling is approximately ±3 percentage points, with higher margins for specific subgroups. Various demographic weights were applied to ensure the sample reflects the registered voter population.
