Politics · United States · 1 day ago
Poll finds AAPI adults losing trust in Trump and Republicans
A poll finds AAPI adults are growing more disillusioned with Donald Trump and Republicans as the November 3 midterm elections approach.
About 9 in 10 say the economy is a top election issue, and about 8 in 10 say the same about the cost of living.
Around 7 in 10 rank health care among their most important concerns.
Only about one-quarter approve of Trump’s performance as president, and about 2 in 10 approve of his handling of the economy.
Democrats have an edge over Republicans on major issues, although views of the Democratic Party itself remain divided.
The poll’s findings come as AAPI communities face economic concerns that can be worsened by immigration enforcement, including raids, detention, visa denials and deportations.
The November 3 midterms are the next test of how these views shape voters’ choices.
A poll found that AAPI adults have become more disillusioned with President Donald Trump and Republicans as the November 3 midterm elections approach.
About 9 in 10 AAPI adults consider the economy one of the most important election issues, and about 8 in 10 say the same about the cost of living.
About one-quarter approve of Trump’s performance as president, while about 2 in 10 approve of his handling of the economy.
The poll found that AAPI adults trust Democrats more than Republicans on a range of issues, though views of the Democratic Party itself are split.
- Who
- Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults.
- What
- A poll found declining trust in Trump and Republicans, especially on the economy, and a Democratic advantage on major issues.
- When
- The poll was conducted September 8-15, 2026, and released October 19. The midterm elections are scheduled for November 3.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- Economic concerns, including the cost of living and healthcare, are major priorities for AAPI adults. The articles also describe economic insecurity linked to immigration enforcement and rising costs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
AAPI Data and the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted the poll.
The poll was reported as finding declining trust in Trump and Republicans among AAPI adults.
The US midterm elections are scheduled to take place.
- Poll field dates
- September 8-15, 2026
- Economy priority
- About 9 in 10 AAPI adults
- Cost-of-living priority
- About 8 in 10 AAPI adults
- Healthcare priority
- About 7 in 10 AAPI adults
- Trump overall approval
- About one-quarter of AAPI adults
- Trump economic approval
- About 2 in 10 AAPI adults
2 sources
What people are saying
What the data show is that any gains that he made not only during the 2024 election — there was a bit of a honeymoon period that Trump enjoyed after the election before Inauguration Day — that has now largely disappeared
The ranking of issues is similar. But the level is certainly elevated among Asian-Americans
I didn’t expect to go into war at all, that has been definitely unexpected and I’m not sure... I’m just hoping they’ll do what they’re saying and get our economy back on track, get immigration and crime lowered.
I would like policies that look in the best interest of the American public