Key Takeaways
- Former President Donald Trump retains exceptionally high approval among his 2024 voter base, with 92% giving him a positive job rating.
- Despite strong base support, a recent Wall Street Journal poll indicates rising voter frustration with the economy and Trump's policy priorities.
- Overall, more voters disapprove (54%) than approve (45%) of Trump's job performance, widening the negative gap from a previous survey.
- Disapproval of Trump's handling of inflation has intensified, with more voters opposing than supporting it by a 17-point margin.
A Wall Street Journal poll published January 17, 2026, reveals that former President Donald Trump continues to command overwhelming support from his core electorate. Approximately 92% of Americans who voted for Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election now give him a positive approval rating for his job performance, including a significant portion who "strongly approve." This robust backing from his political base underscores his enduring influence among his most loyal supporters.
However, the poll also highlights growing discontent among the broader electorate. Voter economic frustration appears to be on the rise under Trump's presidency, with a notable increase in disapproval regarding his handling of key economic issues. More voters now disapprove of his approach to inflation by a 17-point margin, a significant widening from an 11-point gap recorded in July.
On the broader economy, disapproval now exceeds approval by 10 points. Overall, the survey indicates that 54% of respondents disapprove of Trump's job performance, while 45% approve, further expanding the negative sentiment observed in the Journal's previous survey. This suggests a dichotomy between the unwavering support of his base and a more critical view from the wider public concerning his administration's performance and priorities.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.