Key facts
- President Donald Trump's approval rating among rural Americans dropped to 50% in June, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
- Rural disapproval of Trump's performance increased to 48% in June.
- The poll indicates that 31% of rural respondents approve of Trump's handling of cost of living and economic issues.
- Rising gas and food prices are significant factors contributing to the decline in rural support.
- Farmers are facing challenges from increased fertilizer costs and low crop prices, compounded by trade policies.
President Donald Trump's approval rating among rural Americans has fallen to a new low of 50% in June, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, with disapproval rising to 48%. This decline is largely driven by concerns over the rising cost of living, including higher gas and food prices, and dissatisfaction with the U.S. economy.
Rural respondents expressed significant disapproval of Trump's handling of cost of living issues, with only 31% approving and 61% disapproving. This marks a notable shift from February 2025, when approval stood at 45% and disapproval at 43%.
Individuals like Brian Rauch from Montana and Bryan Shaver from Mississippi, both of whom previously supported Trump, cited increased expenses for daily necessities as reasons for their disappointment. Rauch also expressed concerns about the U.S.-Iran conflict's impact on gas prices and the expansion of data centers affecting water access.
The poll, which surveyed 4,531 U.S. adults nationwide from June 3-8, has a margin of error of 3 percentage points for rural areas. The findings could have implications for the Republican party in the upcoming midterm elections, as rural voters have historically been a strong base for Trump.
Farmers are also facing economic pressures due to rising fertilizer costs, low crop prices, and trade war impacts, with diesel prices reaching all-time highs threatening their profit margins. Rural Americans tend to drive more than their urban counterparts, making them more susceptible to fuel price increases.