Trump Approval Hits New Low as Democrats Lead Ahead of US Midterms
A new poll shows US President Donald Trump's approval dropping to 33% ahead of midterms, driven by economic struggles, inflation, and the military conflict with Iran.
Trump Approval Plummets Ahead of Midterm Elections
With just two weeks remaining until the US midterm elections, the Republican Party faces a grim political landscape. US President Donald Trump has hit a new low in approval ratings, while support for the Democratic Party in the race for congressional control continues to surge. According to a new joint poll by the Washington Post, ABC News, and Ipsos, Trump's approval rating among US citizens now stands at just 33%, while 66% disapprove of his performance.
This figure represents a 4% drop since July, marking the lowest point of his term. In the battle for control of the House of Representatives, Democrats lead by an 8% margin. When asked whether they prefer a Democratic Congress to act as a check on Trump or a Republican Congress to support his agenda, 58% chose the former, compared to just 39% for the latter. Another alarming statistic reveals that 72% of the public believes the United States is heading in the wrong direction.
Economic Pressures and the Iran Conflict
The poll reveals that the core driver of the crisis is economic anxiety, compounded by the consequences of the war with Iran. Economic approval for Trump has plummeted to 28%, with roughly three-quarters of Americans dissatisfied with his handling of inflation. Furthermore, 48% report that their financial situation has worsened since Trump returned to the White House in 2025—the highest figure recorded for an incumbent president since 1986.
A major pressure point is fuel prices. In February, prior to the military campaign against Iran, 71% considered fuel prices reasonable. Today, following the war that disrupted supply chains and triggered price spikes, the trend has completely reversed, with 71% declaring fuel is too expensive. Additionally, 65% believe initiating military action against Iran was a grave mistake.
Broad Discontent and Evolving Voter Dynamics
Disappointment with the president extends beyond the economy. On immigration, roughly 60% disapprove of his policies. Ethically, 66% believe Trump is exploiting the presidency for personal enrichment. Moreover, eight out of ten Americans view his demand to name the Kennedy Center in Washington after himself as inappropriate, and 74% oppose government funding for television ads promoting his policies.
Polling also indicates a Democratic advantage among voters who are certain to cast ballots. Erosion is even visible among 2024 Trump voters, 23% of whom now disapprove of his performance. For the first time in a decade, the public trusts Democrats more on economic management, paving the way for a potential political shift.
