Sun May 04 11:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump’s Rural Support Erodes Amidst Economic Concerns: New Polls Reveal Shifting Sands

**London, UK** – President Donald Trump’s steadfast rural support, a cornerstone of his political base, is showing significant cracks, according to multiple recent polls. This erosion could have major implications for the Republican party and Trump’s agenda.

While Trump won 63% of the rural vote in the 2024 election, recent polling data paints a different picture. A PBS/NPR/Marist poll reveals his approval rating among rural voters has plummeted from 59% in February to 46% in late April. Similar declines are reflected in other polls, including ActiVote and YouGov/Yahoo, which show a consistent downward trend in Trump’s approval across various demographics. His overall approval rating hovers around 44%, marking one of his lowest points to date, according to Newsweek’s tracker. This is notably lower than former President Biden’s approval rating at a similar point in his presidency. Furthermore, CNN polling suggests Trump has the lowest approval rating after 100 days in office of any president since Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The decline is attributed, in part, to economic anxieties. The PBS/NPR/Marist poll indicates that 48% of rural voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, with a majority (53%) disapproving of his tariffs. A significant percentage (57%) anticipate rising grocery prices in the coming months.

Sociology Professor Tim Slack of LSU suggests this dissatisfaction stems from the slow and uneven economic recovery following the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly impacting lower-income rural communities. He argues that Trump’s economic promises, such as ending the trade war with China, have not materialized into tangible benefits for these voters. Additionally, concerns about potential cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid may be contributing factors.

The fluctuating approval ratings underscore the precariousness of Trump’s political standing. Future shifts will depend on key events, including international conflicts, the tariff situation, and the looming threat of a recession.

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