Inflation and the cost of living remain the most significant issues for Americans, according to a new Marquette Law School Poll conducted by SSRS from July 22 through July 29. The survey found that 35% of U.S. adults rank these economic factors as their most important personal issue, a slight decline from 37% in May. The economy followed as the second most pressing concern at 15%, while other issues cited included the Iran war at 10%, Medicare and Social Security at 9%, and the SAVE America Act at 9%. Health care, immigration and border security, and affordable housing each garnered 5% of responses.
Amid these concerns, President Donald Trump’s approval rating experienced a modest two-point rise, reaching 40% compared to 38% in polling conducted from June 9-15. Public sentiment regarding the president's economic impact remains divided; when asked about the effect of his policies on inflation, 61% of respondents predicted an increase, 21% expected a decrease, and 18% anticipated no effect. The poll, which released findings in two parts on August 5 and August 6, also highlighted that more adults currently disapprove than approve of the president, the Supreme Court, and both parties in Congress.
The Supreme Court’s approval rating currently sits at 47%, a figure that has remained below the 50% mark since November 2025. This result is 14 points higher than the 33% approval rating recorded in a July 28 Gallup poll. A significant partisan divide persists, with 74% of Republicans approving of the high court, compared to only 22% of Democrats and 35% of Independents. Kevin Conway, communications director with the Marquette Law School poll, noted that the public views the justices through partisan filters, despite many being unfamiliar with the individual justices themselves.
Public perception of the court's relationship with the president is also polarized. Approximately 54% of respondents believe the court is actively trying to avoid rulings that Trump might refuse to obey, while 55% feel the court rules in his favor often or fairly often since his second term. This perception is split along party lines, with 77% of Democrats seeing the court as leaning toward Trump, compared to 37% of Republicans. Regarding specific recent decisions, only two of 13 polled were viewed unfavorably: 51% opposed the president’s ability to remove heads of independent agencies, and 53% opposed allowing parties to coordinate with candidate campaigns.
As the November midterms approach, Democrats maintain a lead on the generic ballot, though the margin remains narrow. Among registered voters, Democrats lead Republicans 46% to 44%, a two-point gap consistent with June polling. However, among likely voters, the Democratic lead is wider, with 51% favoring the Democratic candidate compared to 45% for the Republican. In Congress, Republicans hold a slight edge in approval at 37%, a figure consistent with April and May. Democrats saw their approval in Congress rise to 34%, a four-point increase from their 30% standing in the previous two months.
