Fact Check: "Trump's approval rating underwater by 30 points on inflation."
What We Know
A recent Marquette Law School Poll conducted from May 5 to May 15, 2025, indicates that President Donald Trump's approval rating regarding his handling of inflation and the cost of living is notably low. Specifically, the poll reveals that only 34% of respondents approve of his performance on this issue, while 66% disapprove. This results in a net approval rating of -32 percentage points for inflation, which is one of the lowest ratings across various issues evaluated in the poll. The overall approval rating for Trump during this period stands at 46% approval and 54% disapproval, yielding an overall net approval of -8 percentage points.
The poll also highlights that inflation is perceived as the most critical issue by 36% of respondents, reflecting widespread concern about rising costs and economic conditions. This context underscores the significance of Trump's low approval rating on inflation, as it directly correlates with public sentiment regarding the economy.
Analysis
The claim that Trump's approval rating is "underwater by 30 points on inflation" is supported by the data from the Marquette Law School Poll, which shows a net approval of -32 percentage points specifically for inflation and cost of living issues (Marquette.edu). This figure aligns closely with the claim, as being "underwater" typically refers to a negative net approval rating.
In terms of source reliability, the Marquette Law School Poll is a reputable academic survey known for its rigorous methodology and transparency in reporting results. The poll surveyed 1,004 adults nationwide with a margin of error of +/- 3.6 percentage points, which is standard for national surveys. The findings are consistent with other reports indicating a decline in Trump's approval ratings on key issues, including inflation, as noted in various news articles (MassLive, NBC News).
However, it's essential to consider the partisan divide in these approval ratings. The poll indicates that while Trump's approval on inflation is significantly low overall, there remains a substantial portion of Republican respondents who may still support him on other issues, such as border security and immigration. This division suggests that while the overall sentiment is negative, it may not uniformly reflect the views of all demographic groups.
Conclusion
The claim that "Trump's approval rating underwater by 30 points on inflation" is True. The Marquette Law School Poll clearly indicates a net approval rating of -32 percentage points specifically on inflation, which aligns with the assertion. Given the credibility of the source and the consistency of the data with broader trends in public opinion, the claim is substantiated.
