Trump Rallies in Iowa as Economic Approval Ratings Hit Negative Twenty
Washington, Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
Facing a net negative 20 economic approval rating—tracking lower than the previous administration—President Trump launches a weekly travel regimen in Iowa to defend his financial record.
Economic Headwinds and Historic Lows
President Donald Trump’s administration is currently navigating a turbulent economic landscape, marked by a net approval rating that has plummeted to negative 20 points [1]. This metric places the President in a slightly more precarious position than his predecessor, Joe Biden, who held a negative 19-point net rating at a comparable juncture in his presidency [1]. The decline represents a stark reversal from the start of the term, when economic approval stood at a positive six points, leading analysts to describe the current trajectory as a “slide into the ocean” [1].
Erosion of Independent Support
The data reveals a fracturing of the President’s coalition, particularly among independent voters who are pivotal for electoral success. A poll released on Tuesday by The Economist and YouGov indicates that net approval within this crucial demographic has reached an all-time low [3]. With only 27% of independents approving and 67% disapproving, the net rating sits at -40 negative 40 points [3]. This represents a significant deterioration from the previous week, where the net deficit among independents was recorded at negative 31 points [3].
Compounding Crises
The administration’s economic pitch is being complicated by simultaneous unrest regarding immigration enforcement. Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minnesota over the weekend of January 24-25, 2026, public scrutiny of immigration policy has intensified [1][5]. Polling conducted by Reuters/Ipsos around this period found that 58% of Americans believe Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions have “gone too far” [5]. Consequently, the President’s approval rating on immigration handling has sunk to 39%, the lowest level since his return to office [5].