June 18, 2026
It’s Trump’s Economy and Americans Are Not Impressed, June 2026
On his handling of the economy, Donald Trump hits his lowest approval rating ever in a Marist Poll.
Just one third of Americans approve of President Trump’s handling of the economy — his lowest ever in a Marist Poll — sending his overall approval rating to the lowest of his second term. While both numbers are driven by Democrats and independents, just as in last month’s poll, nearly a quarter (22%) of Republicans disapprove of the President’s handling of the economy. And, as summer begins, high prices are impacting if, and how, Americans are planning seasonal vacations.
Trump’s approval among Americans is 36%, the lowest of his second term. Disapproval is at 59%, tying his highest number ever from last month. This includes 64% of independents and 17% of Republicans. This 23 percentage point spread is the widest for Trump in any Marist Poll in either term.
On his handling of the economy, just 33% approve — his lowest rating ever on this question — and 60% disapprove. This disapproval number includes 65% of independents and 22% of Republicans.
Gas prices are part of the problem for the President. 34% of Americans say current gas prices are a "major strain" — nearly identical to last month — despite average U.S. prices having dropped about 40 cents a gallon from this time in May according to AAA. Another 44% say it's a "minor strain" and 22% report it's "no strain at all."
Looking at summer plans, 55% of Americans plan to take a vacation and 45% do not — numbers consistent with results from 2025 and 2021. Two-thirds say cost has had at least some impact on their summer plans.
Americans making $50,000 or more (63%) are considerably more likely to be planning a vacation than those earning less (39%).
Summer Vacation Plans
Among the 55% of Americans who report they will take a summer vacation, 48% plan one or more long getaways, 43% will take several shorter weekend trips, and 9% will take a “staycation” — vacationing at home.
No Summer Vacation: Why?
Among the 45% of Americans who are not vacationing this summer, 49% say the main reason is cost, 22% simply don’t want to take a vacation, 10% vacation at other times of year, 10% have health concerns, 8% don’t have any available vacation time, and 2% are unsure.
Methodology
This NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll national survey of 1,340 adults was conducted June 8th through June 11th, 2026, by the Marist Poll in partnership with NPR and PBS News. Adults 18 years of age and older residing in the United States were contacted through a multi-mode design: By phone using live interviewers, by text, or online. Results for all adults (n= 1,340) are statistically significant within ±3.0 percentage points. Results for registered voters (n=1,162) are statistically significant within ±3.3 percentage points.