A bombshell CNN poll conducted by SSRS has delivered a devastating verdict on President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy: his approval rating has fallen to a new personal low of 31%. The survey, released on April 1, 2026, reveals a nation increasingly pessimistic about its financial future, with two-thirds of Americans (65%) saying Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions in the United States – a 10-point jump since January. Only 27% approve of Trump’s handling of inflation, down sharply from 44% a year ago. And for the first time, significant cracks are appearing in Trump’s Republican base. The poll, which surveyed a nationally representative sample of over 1,200 adults between March 26 and 30, has a margin of error of ±3.2%. It found that Trump’s overall approval rating stands at 35%, just one point above his all-time low in CNN polling. But the erosion is most pronounced on the economy – an issue that voters consistently rank as the most important facing the country. “People are feeling squeezed,” said CNN’s political director. “Gas prices are up, grocery bills are up, and they don’t see a plan from the White House to fix it.” The most striking finding is the defection among Republicans. The share of GOP voters who “strongly approve” of Trump’s job performance has fallen to 43%, down from 52% in January. Among Republicans under the age of 45, the drop is even more dramatic – a 23-point plunge. And nearly 3 in 10 Republicans (28%) now say that Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions, compared to just 13% who felt that way in January. “That’s a red alert for the White House,” a Republican strategist told CNN. “When your own voters start turning on you, you’ve lost the narrative.” The poll also sheds light on the drivers of this discontent. The ongoing conflict with Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies, is directly linked to rising gas prices. More than 60% of Americans said higher gasoline costs have caused them personal financial difficulties, with 15% calling those difficulties “extremely serious.” The administration’s sanctions on Iran, combined with military posturing in the Strait of Hormuz, have spooked energy markets. “Trump promised to bring back $2 gas,” said a Democratic pollster. “Instead, we’re seeing $4.50. That’s a broken promise that voters remember.” In response, the White House has blamed “Biden-era energy policies” and “global factors beyond the president’s control.” But the poll suggests that excuse is wearing thin. Sixty-five percent of Americans reject that framing, holding Trump directly responsible for the economic pain. Even among Republicans, nearly a third say his policies are to blame. “The president can’t just tweet his way out of this,” said a former Trump advisor now working as a commentator. “He needs a concrete plan – more drilling, more pipelines, something. Otherwise, the midterms are going to be a bloodbath.” Trump is scheduled to deliver a national address on Iran on Wednesday night, and aides hope the speech will shift the focus from the economy to foreign policy. But history suggests that when voters are hurting financially, they punish incumbents regardless of what happens overseas. The CNN poll is a wake-up call: Trump’s economic approval rating has not only hit a new low – it’s now in territory that could cost him control of Congress. With Democrats already preparing to hammer him on gas prices and inflation, the next few months will determine whether Trump can stabilize his presidency or spiral into irrelevance. One thing is certain: 31% is not a number any president wants to see.