Trump’s Approval Ratings Decline Ahead of Midterms

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 37 percent, marking the lowest level for any president approaching midterm elections, based on Wall Street Journal polls since 1990. A new survey released on Friday highlights this downturn.

The poll surveyed 1,500 registered voters between September 16 and 21, revealing that 61 percent disapprove of Trump’s performance as president. Republicans face increasing concerns about their outlook in the upcoming November midterm elections, as several recent surveys indicate the president’s waning popularity.

Approval Ratings Hit Record Low

The Journal survey reported that only 37 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, with 61 percent showing disapproval.

Weakness within Trump’s coalition is evident. Eleven percent of voters who supported Trump in the 2024 election express regret over their decision. Among Republicans not part of the MAGA movement, 11 percent intend to vote for a Democratic congressional candidate during the fall elections.

These results contribute to mounting evidence suggesting Trump’s political position weakens as midterm elections draw near. Newsweek noted Trump’s net approval rating in Nate Silver’s polling tracker falling to minus 22.4, the lowest of either term.

VoteHub’s polling average also recorded Trump’s net approval at minus 22.4.

Economic Concerns Predominate

The Wall Street Journal survey reveals widespread economic pessimism. Sixty-five percent of respondents rated the U.S. economy negatively, while 33 percent viewed it positively.

Trump’s economic policies receive a predominantly negative assessment, with 60 percent saying they have worsened the economy and 25 percent attributing improvements.

These findings align with recent polls covered by Newsweek.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll from earlier this month showed Trump’s approval at 32 percent. An American Research Group survey placed his approval rating at 29 percent.

Surveys highlight concerns about inflation, fuel prices, household finances and broader living costs.

Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, pointed to dissatisfaction with the economy and inflation as significant factors affecting Trump’s ratings.

The White House has dismissed such polling. Spokesman Davis Ingle previously emphasized the 2024 election as the “ultimate poll,” citing support from nearly 80 million Americans for Trump’s agenda. Ingle claimed “historic progress” in areas like jobs, inflation and housing affordability.

Republicans Address Midterm Challenges

Republicans face growing concerns about the political landscape ahead of Election Day. The Journal reported escalating worries among candidates and strategists regarding recent polls and voter sentiment. Some candidates have sought distance from Trump on topics like the Iran conflict and economic policy.

Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, remarked that lawmakers should not be deemed disloyal for challenging the president and suggested the White House move past “loyalty tests.” Tillis advocated for Republicans in certain states to distance themselves from the administration when disagreements arise.

For months, political analysts have warned that Trump’s weak approval numbers could pose broader challenges for Republican candidates. Nathan Gonzales of Inside Elections highlighted that midterm elections with an unpopular president can be risky for the ruling party.

The Journal’s poll is not the only cautionary signal. A state-by-state analysis identified Trump underwater in 41 states, including major battleground states. Civiqs tracking data suggested only nine states still offer a positive approval rating.

Substantial declines occurred in Iowa, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

While analysts note that approval ratings alone do not determine election results, presidential approval serves as a key indicator of the political climate.

The Journal’s recent findings suggest Republicans enter the campaign’s final stretch facing challenging circumstances, with Democrats requiring minimal advancements to reclaim the House amid several highly competitive Senate contests.