THIS WEEK: Trump and the Economy

Let’s talk about the economy—because perception of Trump’s job performance is changing.

Author

Social Currant
April 01, 2025

Data & Dissent: The Facts Creators Need to Fight Back

Welcome back to Data & Dissent, a bi-weekly newsletter from Haley Lickstein, Navigator Research, and Social Currant—designed to help creators cut through the chaos of the first 100 days of the Trump Administration.

This is our 4th newsletter breaking down the most compelling polling and messaging takeaways from Navigator’s recent data to help fuel your content and activism. 

As we continue this newsletter, we want to make sure this data cuts through the noise and resonates with people. If a data point stands out or there are ways we can better support your content, let us know by submitting a pitch through Navigator’s Creator Feedback & Content Pitches Form.

THIS WEEK: Trump and the Economy

Let’s talk about the economy—because perception of Trump’s job performance is changing.

For the first time in Navigator’s tracking, Trump’s economic approval rating (net -5; 46% approve – 51% disapprove) has fallen below his overall approval rating (net -2; 47% approve – 49% disapprove). That’s a huge shift—especially since in post-election polling, the state of the national economy was 52 percent more of a reason for Americans to support Trump.

Here are the receipts:

  • Americans overwhelmingly disapprove of Trump’s handling of inflation and the cost of living (53% disapprove, 41% approve).

  • Among independents, it’s worse—they disapprove of his handling of inflation by a two-to-one margin (net -28; 28% approve – 56% disapprove).

  • A majority (51%) believe the economy is getting worse—up 14 points since Trump’s re-election.

And here is the real standout information: People don’t think Trump is prioritizing fixing it. 

We know from this past election cycle and data that 61 percent of Americans rank inflation and the cost of living in their top five most important issues for the President and Congress to be focused on, but just 28 percent believe inflation and the cost of living is a priority for President Trump and Congress. Yet, a majority of Americans – 63 percent – think Trump and Republicans in Congress are most focused on immigration and the border. These priorities don’t align. 

This is showing in the overall numbers- Trump’s overall approval is underwater by 14 points among independents (37 percent approve – 51 percent disapprove) and his handling of the economy is underwater by 15 points (36 percent approve – 51 percent disapprove).

This is a crucial moment to keep the momentum going and drive the conversation around Trump’s economic policies. With GOP budget discussions underway and the real-world effects of tariffs unfolding, the stakes are high. The data is clear—Americans are feeling the impact, and they don’t believe Trump is prioritizing their economic concerns. Now is the time to use your platforms to amplify these numbers, break down what’s happening, and make sure people understand the stakes. Keep pushing, keep posting, and keep the receipts coming.

Content to share:
- Lynae’s video breaking down recent Navigator data
- Still We Rise carousel on Repubicans’ new tax plan to benefit the wealthy
- Sylvia (@tono.latino) video on the impact of tech CEOs on our government + how DOGE cuts are impacting the Latinx community

See you in two weeks for the next drop of Data & Dissent!

More About Navigator Research
Every three weeks, Navigator fields their flagship survey covering topics from breaking news and current events to abortion to the economy. Their polling includes 1,000 registered voters, with additional outreach to Black, Hispanic, Asian American, and independent voters to ensure a representative sample.