Only 31% of Americans consider President Donald Trump “honest and trustworthy,” the lowest mark since the start of his second term, according to a new Economist/YouGov poll. A majority — 53% — say the president is not honest, with the remaining respondents unsure.
The poll also finds deep public suspicion about Trump’s connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Most Americans — 71% — believe Trump knew at least something about Epstein’s crimes against underage girls before investigations began. That includes 44% who say he knew “a lot” and 27% who believe he knew “some.” Only 8% say he knew nothing.
Trump’s handling of the Epstein investigations continues to draw strong disapproval, with a net approval rating of -39. Democrats are overwhelmingly critical, with an -82 net rating, while Republicans give him a modest +14 net approval on the issue.
The controversy is further fueled by the recent transfer of Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum-security federal prison in Texas — a move opposed by 47% of Americans. Just 14% support the transfer, and 38% are unsure. Nearly half of respondents (48%) are uncertain whether Trump ordered the move, while 36% think he did, and 16% believe he did not.
Beyond the Epstein matter, Trump’s overall job approval stands at 42%, with 54% disapproving — a net rating of -12. While still negative, that’s slightly better than his rating at this point in his first term.
Support among Republican-leaning voters has slipped nine points since January, now at 83% approval, down from 92%.
The poll, which was conducted Aug. 9-11 among 1,635 U.S. adult citizens, has a margin of error of about 3.5 percentage points.
