Trump’s Approval Rating Stands at 49.5% Despite Economic Headwinds
Polling expert Patrick Allocco, founder of the Zoose Political Index, stated Monday that a new InsiderAdvantage poll showing President Donald Trump’s approval rating at 49.5% aligns with broader trends and should not be viewed as an outlier.
Allocco, who appears on Newsmax’s “Finnerty” show, explained the survey’s methodology supports the result and matches recent patterns. The poll questioned 800 likely voters—a demographic historically more favorable toward Trump—according to Allocco. “Likely voters always tend to do better with the president,” he noted.
Allocco added that the InsiderAdvantage figures align with other recent polling data, including Rasmussen Reports (46% approval) and McLaughlin & Associates (50% approval). “They’re not an outlier,” Allocco emphasized. “That is a very solid number for the president.”
The expert also addressed concerns about the November unemployment rate, which rose to 4.6%, its highest level since 2020. He cautioned against overinterpreting the figure, citing data disruptions caused by a government shutdown and missing October household records. “November’s data carries uncertainty,” Allocco said, describing the economy as operating at “stall speed.”
On inflation, Allocco clarified why consumers have yet to feel relief despite the rate falling to 2.7%, its lowest level since Trump’s first term. He noted that when Trump handed off the economy to former President Joe Biden in January 2021, inflation stood at a 1.4% year-over-year rate. Under Biden, prices rose by 22%, meaning “consumers are still feeling that price level hike.”
Allocco credited Trump and Vice President JD Vance with recently sharpening the White House’s economic messaging—particularly on affordability—and urged Republicans running for Congress to reinforce this message ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
