Map Shows Donald Trump's Approval Rating in Biggest Beef States

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump's August 21 decision to allow tariff-free imports of up to 300,000 metric tons of beef for 90 days has sparked backlash from cattle producers and local leaders, though polling shows no immediate impact on his approval ratings in major beef-producing states.
• Analysis of 126,377 registered voter responses between August 21 and August 27 reveals Trump's approval remained stable in nine of the top ten beef states, with only Kansas showing a slight one-point improvement.
• Since the start of Trump's second term in January 2025, his net approval has declined sharply across all major cattle states, including Kentucky, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, and Nebraska, many of which now hold negative approval ratings despite earlier strong support.
• The tariff policy complicates Republican efforts to defend competitive midterm races in key beef-producing states like Nebraska and Texas, where candidates must balance support for Trump's economic agenda with concerns from ranching communities about lower domestic beef prices.
• The White House defends the tariff waiver as a measure to reduce consumer food prices and highlights overall economic progress under Trump, dismissing suggestions that recent polling reflects dissatisfaction with his administration’s agenda.