WASHINGTON — A fresh AP‑KFF survey of more than 2,000 rural registered voters shows that about 50% still approve of President Trump’s job performance, outpacing approval among the broader U.S. adult population. At the same time, roughly half of those rural respondents say the national and local economies feel worse than they did when the President returned to office.
Economic frustration amid continued support
The poll, conducted over two weeks beginning in mid‑August, revealed deep dissatisfaction with rising costs of groceries, gasoline and health care. About three‑quarters of rural voters rated the cost of living in their communities as “only fair” or “poor,” a 25‑point increase from a comparable 2017 KFF‑Washington Post survey.
Despite these concerns, the same respondents gave President Trump a median approval rating that exceeds the national average reported in separate AP‑NORC polling. Rural voters also expressed more confidence that the President will improve the national economy than independents or Democrats.
Voices from the field
Ed Westrick, a 59‑year‑old registered Republican and veteran from rural Texas, described his view of the President’s performance as “mediocre, middle‑of‑the‑road.” Westrick, who works as a technical trainer in the electronics industry, said he is uncertain about casting a ballot in the upcoming midterms, noting the cost‑of‑living pressure on his family.
Tim Slack, a sociology professor at Louisiana State University, linked the cost‑of‑living crisis to several Trump‑administration policies, including the war in Iran, tariffs and trade enforcement. “None of those things are going to bring down prices at the pump or the local Walmart,” he said.
In Georgia’s small town of Manassas, Republican voter Wanda Rogers praised the administration’s efforts to clean up what she calls an economic mess left by previous Democratic leadership. “I kind of think people think like I do, that he knows what needs to be done,” Rogers said, adding that high gas prices are still a personal burden.
Healthcare perception lagging
The survey also found that only 17% of rural voters believe the administration’s health‑care policies have had a positive impact on their costs, while 41% see no impact and another 41% see a negative impact. Rural respondents reported low awareness of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program created in the President’s recent tax‑breaks and spending‑cuts bill.
Overall, the poll suggests that while many rural Americans remain skeptical about economic conditions, they have not turned away from President Trump. The administration’s continued emphasis on lowering drug prices and expanding rural health funding may help sustain that support as the midterm elections approach.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
