PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Rhode Island voters are more likely than Massachusetts voters to approve of the job President Trump is doing so far, although he is viewed negatively by a majority in both states, according to new survey data released Thursday. The University of New Hampshire Survey Cen ter "Ocean State Poll" of 656 Rhode Island voters found 40% approve of Trump's performance so far, while 59% disapprove. The president's numbers are weighed down by massive disfavor among Rhode Island Democrats, 94% of whom disapprove of him, compared with his 88% approval rating among Republicans and 66% approval rating among independents. A separate UNH survey of Massachusetts voters, also released Thursday, showed just 33% of Bay State voters approve of Trump's job performance, while 66% disapprove. While Trump's approval rating among Democrats and Republicans in Massachusetts is similar to Rhode Island, the split is very different among independents, with just 35% of Bay State independents approving and 62% disapproving. The survey of 656 Rhode Island voters was conducted online and by text message from March 20 to March 24, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. The survey of 844 Massachusetts voters was conducted over the same period using the same methodology, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. The poll findings show little change in opinions about Trump since last November's election, when he received 42% of the vote in Rhode Island and 36% in Massachusetts. Elsewhere in New England, Trump's approval rating ranges from 48% in New Hampshire to 30% in Vermont. In Rhode Island, the most commonly cited reason for disapproving of Trump was concern that he is undermining democracy or the Constitution, cited by 21% of voters who disapprove. The most commonly cited reason for approving of Trump was his handling of immigration, cited by 27% of voters who approve. The UNH poll found voter opinions on Trump's handling of foreign affairs reflect the same partisan divides as his overall job approval. The survey also showed disagreement about threats to the country, with Russia named by 72% of Democrats but China named by 76% of Republicans and 51% of independents. A majority of Rhode Island voters expressed warm feelings toward Canada (81%), Ukraine (74%) and Mexico (66%), describing those countries as either an "ally" or a "friend." On the war in Ukraine, 95% of Rhode Island Democrats say Russia is entirely or nearly entirely responsible for starting the conflict, compared with 60% of independents and 58% of Republicans. One in three independents said blame is shared equally by the two countries, and 14% of Republicans put more blame on Ukraine. Trump's tariff policy is an area where opinions differ slightly from his overall job approval rating, with just 34% of Rhode Island voters saying they approve of how he is using them. Support among Republicans was 80%, and among independents it was 50%. There is significant pessimism among Rhode Island voters about the economic outlook, according to the survey, with 71% saying a recession is either already happening or likely in the next year. Republicans are the only optimistic group of the three, with only 24% expecting a recession, compared with 86% of Democrats and 51% of independents. Two-thirds of voters said they oppose allowing transgender female athletes to compete in women's sports, and a majority also said they oppose allowing transgender male athletes to compete in men's sports. Voters were fairly split on how those policies should be made, with 44% saying it should be a federal decision, 40% saying it should be a state decision, and the rest unsure. Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesi's Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less