President Donald Trump’s approval rating among baby boomers has dropped sharply in recent months, according to new polling.
The latest HarrisX data shows Trump’s support among voters aged over 65 slipping from 47 percent approval and 52 percent disapproval in July to 43 percent approval and 56 percent disapproval in September—a 13-point net decline over two months.
Similarly, YouGov/Economist polling recorded a shift from 49/48 (+1) in September to 43/55 (-12) in October.
Why It Matters
Baby boomers were critical to Trump’s 2024 victory, when 51 percent of the age group voted for him. A sharp decline in his approval among this cohort could weaken Republican momentum heading into the 2026 midterms, particularly in states where older voters have long formed the backbone of GOP support.
Trump’s once-reliable support among boomers appears to be slipping as his second-term policies threaten the economic stability, health care access, and retirement security of older Americans—a generation accustomed to prosperity and political power.
Economic Worries Deepen as Boomers Lose Faith
For much of their lives, boomers enjoyed a straightforward path to prosperity: low-cost education, stable jobs, and a booming economy that rewarded savings and homeownership. But under Trump’s second term, that stability is eroding.
His administration’s recent policy decisions—from staff cuts at Social Security to tariffs that rattled markets—have coincided with rising economic anxiety among older voters. In the latest HarrisX survey, 41 percent of boomers said their personal finances had worsened, up from 37 percent in July.
That pessimism extends across nearly every measure. According to YouGov, 44 percent now describe the economy as “poor,” up 9 points in a month, and 57 percent say the economy is getting worse. Just 15 percent say they are better off financially than a year ago, while only 17 percent expect improvement in the next 12 months. Nearly 70 percent report stagnant pay, and 56 percent say they’ve saved less than last year—more than any other age group.
Additionally, 77 percent of boomers expect prices to rise in the next 12 months, and 70 percent believe the gap between rich and poor is widening.
Social Security Cuts Fuel Growing Backlash
The broader U.S. economy rebounded at a 3.8 percent annualized rate in the second quarter of 2025 after contracting earlier in the year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. But the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia forecasts much slower growth—around 1.7 percent for the full year.
That economic strain has been compounded by the administration’s overhaul of Social Security, which provides benefits to nearly nine in 10 Americans aged 65 and older. Staffing reductions of about 12 percent and the closure of six in 10 regional offices have caused widespread delays, leaving seniors struggling to access services.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is reportedly preparing to change how the Social Security Administration determines disability eligibility, potentially by reducing or eliminating age as a factor, according to The Washington Post. Under the proposed changes, the age threshold could rise from 50 to 60, or be removed entirely—a move that could make it harder for older Americans to qualify for benefits.
The White House denies that any such overhaul is planned. Deputy press secretary Kush Desai told Newsweek that “President Trump will always protect and defend Social Security for American citizens,” adding that the only change has been the “working families tax cut legislation” that eliminated taxation on most Social Security benefits.
Still, a May YouGov/Economist poll put Trump’s net approval rating on Social Security at -8 among boomers.
Shutdown Fallout Adds to Seniors’ Frustration
The ongoing government shutdown is also taking a toll—and could soon affect Social Security operations. The federal government shut down last week after Congress failed to break a funding deadlock, largely over whether to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies.
While Social Security payments continue during shutdowns, the agency operates with severely reduced staff numbers, providing only essential services. Field offices stay open, but focus on critical cases such as lost or stolen checks, while processing new claims, appeals, and card replacements slows.
These disruptions can have serious consequences for older Americans. Long wait times, office closures, and backlogs can leave seniors unable to access benefits for months.
According to the latest YouGov poll, 53 percent of boomers disapprove of Trump’s handling of the shutdown, and 46 percent blame him and congressional Republicans for the disruption. Forty-two percent say they will be personally affected.
Health Care Cuts Threaten Seniors’ Safety Net
Health care has also become a growing flashpoint. Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill,” which passed the House, would restrict Medicare access for many documented immigrants and reduce Medicaid enrollment by more than 10 million people—cuts that could make long-term care more expensive for millions of seniors.
Because Medicaid funds more than half of all U.S. long-term care, older Americans face higher costs and fewer options for nursing or at-home assistance. Immigration restrictions have further thinned the caregiving workforce, pushing wages and service costs higher.
At the same time, federal funding cuts to Alzheimer’s and dementia research have forced programs—including the University of Washington’s Memory and Brain Wellness Center—to limit new patients, potentially delaying breakthroughs that aging boomers depend on.
The latest YouGov/Economist polling shows Trump’s approval on health care among baby boomers stands at -13 points.
