A new Pew Research Center poll released Thursday shows growing skepticism among Republican voters about President Donald Trump's economic policies, with 28 percent of Republicans now saying those policies have made economic conditions worse — up from 18 percent in January 2026. Overall, 60 percent of all respondents said Trump's policies have had a negative effect on the economy, and just 24 percent of all voters described current economic conditions as "excellent" or "good."

Economists and critics have pointed to Trump's tariff policies and the ongoing conflict with Iran as key drivers of economic strain. National gas prices climbed to $4.091 per gallon as of Thursday, according to AAA, driven in part by disruptions to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran in February. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said Trump "remains committed to unleashing American energy dominance, cutting costs, and putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking American families."

Despite the erosion in economic confidence, Trump retains strong overall support within his party. Sixty-nine percent of Republicans said they approve of his job performance, and among self-identified conservative Republicans, his net approval rating stood at plus-54 points. The last time a majority of Pew respondents viewed the economy favorably was January 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The poll arrives roughly 18 months into Trump's second term and with midterm elections approaching, as Democrats move to make the economy a centerpiece of their campaigns. Polling consistently shows the economy ranks as voters' top concern heading into November, raising the political stakes for the administration's handling of tariffs, energy costs, and the broader fallout from Middle East hostilities.