Trump’s Numbers Just Took a Surprising Turn With White Voters

President Donald Trump’s standing among white voters has taken a notable turn, with a new poll showing his approval rating moving from negative territory in June to slightly positive in late July.

The latest survey from Marquette Law School found that 51 percent of white voters questioned approved of Trump’s job performance, while 49 percent disapproved. That gives the president a net approval rating of plus 2 percentage points among the group.

The result represents a sharp change from Marquette’s previous survey. In June, just 44 percent of white voters said they approved of Trump’s performance, compared with 56 percent who disapproved. That produced a net approval rating of minus 12.

The two surveys were conducted only several weeks apart, making the shift particularly noteworthy as Republicans and Democrats prepare for the November midterm elections.

The newest poll was conducted from July 22 through July 27 and included 639 white respondents. The June survey, conducted between June 9 and June 15, included 903 white respondents.

Trump’s relationship with white voters has been closely watched throughout his political career. The group represents a substantial portion of the American electorate and has played an important role in his presidential victories and Republican support in recent elections.

The latest numbers also arrive after a period in which Trump has faced political pressure over several major issues, particularly the economy, inflation and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Other surveys in recent months have suggested that concerns over rising prices and the broader economic outlook have weakened some of Trump’s support. The new Marquette numbers, however, show that his standing among white voters may be more fluid than some recent polling has suggested.

That could prove important heading into November.

Midterm elections often turn on relatively small shifts in voter enthusiasm and support, particularly in competitive congressional districts. Republicans are defending their congressional majorities, making the president’s standing among groups that have traditionally supported the GOP an important part of the political landscape.

The latest poll does not mean Trump has regained all of the support he held earlier in his presidency, nor does it establish a broader national trend by itself. The survey reflects the views of the respondents questioned during a specific period and comes with the normal limitations associated with polling.

Still, the movement from a 12-point net deficit in June to a 2-point net advantage in late July represents a substantial change in a relatively short period.

For Republicans, the shift could provide some encouragement at a time when Democrats are attempting to make the economy, inflation and Trump’s leadership central issues in the midterm campaign.

For Democrats, meanwhile, the latest result is a reminder that recent declines in Trump’s approval among some voters may not necessarily remain permanent.

With the November elections approaching, both parties will be watching closely to see whether the latest movement among white voters continues — or proves to be only a temporary change in an increasingly volatile political environment.