The New York Times polling review shows growing doubt among blue-collar white voters about President Trump’s management of the economy. Shane Goldmacher reports an “extraordinary swing” since 2018: a former 30-point advantage has flipped to net disapproval of roughly 14%–30% among non-college white voters. Personal testimony from a three-time Trump voter highlights frustration over rising grocery costs, while analysts warn the GOP could be weakened on inflation heading into the midterms.
NYT Poll Review: Blue-Collar White Voters Are Losing Confidence In Trump’s Economic Leadership
Blue-Collar White Americans Are ‘Seriously Doubting’ Trump On This Issue: NYT
A sweeping review of polling published by The New York Times finds that support for President Donald Trump among working-class white Americans is eroding, with many now “seriously doubting” his handling of the economy.
Times political correspondent Shane Goldmacher writes that the “once-deep reservoir of good will” among some of Mr. Trump’s most reliable backers has “largely evaporated,” and that, for the first time, blue-collar white voters are openly questioning his economic stewardship.
The review points to an “extraordinary swing” in attitudes among white voters without college degrees since the president’s 2018 midterm cycle. Where working-class white voters once gave the administration roughly a 30-point advantage on economic approval, recent polls now show net disapproval in that group of approximately 14%–30%.
A New York Times poll review shows support for President Donald Trump is dwindling amongst white blue-collar voters.AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Goldmacher concludes that Mr. Trump has “lost the faith of his most loyal supporters on the year’s most pressing issue.” The drop in approval comes amid broader criticism of the administration’s handling of controversies such as the Epstein files and policy decisions tied to the war in Iran and its economic effects.
Voter Voices: Annette Dombrowski, a three-time Trump voter from Ohio who faces losing her janitorial job, told MS Now she has grown increasingly angry as household costs climb.
“It’s not an overnight thing, but it’s been two years now,” Dombrowski said. “You said you’d bring down the grocery prices. Literally, I must be the most angry person when I grocery shop because I buy the same things every week and I see it jump every week. It is not every couple months, it’s literally every week.”
Analysts’ View: CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten described what he called a “complete collapse” of Republican support for Mr. Trump on inflation, noting multiple polls now show the president underwater even within his own party. Enten also suggested Democrats may be in a stronger position heading into the midterms because their voters appear more motivated to turn out.
What This Means: The polling shift signals a notable political vulnerability: if economic concerns remain top-of-mind for working-class voters, the GOP could lose traction among a cohort that proved decisive in past elections. Campaigns on both sides will likely intensify messaging on prices, wages and household costs as midterms approach.
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