Economic Frustration Tests Trump’s Standing With Rural Voters, New KFF-AP Poll Finds

A new poll by The Associated Press and KFF reveals that many rural American voters are experiencing economic frustration with President Donald Trump's administration. Four in ten rural voters approve of Trump's job performance, which is higher than the approval rating of U.S. adults overall, but still falls short of the overall positive perception.

The poll found that the cost of groceries, gas, and healthcare are top concerns for rural voters, with a larger share than the general population worried about affording these essentials. Despite Trump's promise of economic prosperity, only about half of rural voters believe the economy is better off now compared to when Trump took office.

Ed Westrick, a registered Republican and veteran from rural Texas, described Trump's job performance as "mediocre, middle-of-the-road" and expressed uncertainty about whether he will vote in the upcoming midterm elections. Rural Americans, who have been consistently poorer than their urban counterparts, have been struggling economically due to decades of decline.

However, rural Republicans tend to view the national economy more positively than rural Democrats or independents, with 60% of rural Republicans believing Trump has improved the national economy, while only 20% of independents and fewer than 10% of Democrats share this view. Yet, only 45% of rural Republican voters believe Trump has improved their local economies.

The poll highlights the challenges Trump and the Republican Party may face in the upcoming election, as rural voters appear unlikely to support Democrats on a large scale, but may not be sufficiently convinced by Trump's economic policies.