President Trump’s Approval Rating Drops to Record Low in New Polls

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has declined to its lowest point in either of his terms, as reported by a recent Fox News Poll. A mere 36% of participants surveyed expressed approval of the President’s performance, with economic concerns intensifying for American households less than three weeks before Election Day.

The poll indicates that the decrease in approval is partly attributed to voters under 45 years old, individuals without a college degree, non-white voters, and those earning less than $50,000 annually.

Robert Y. Shapiro, a Columbia professor of political science and international affairs, commented to Newsweek that the poll “shows how dire the situation is for Republicans, in that whatever Trump has been trying to do to help them is clearly not working.”

Midterm elections are often perceived as a test of the political environment for the party in power. Historically, the president’s party tends to lose seats during these elections. Currently, Republicans maintain a slim majority in both the House and Senate.

Alongside the overall approval decrease, Trump’s ratings on particular policy issues such as the economy, immigration, jobs, and the ongoing conflict in Iran have also declined. Household affordability concerns persist across America.

Newsweek sought comments from the White House via email on Wednesday night.

Key Findings from the Poll

The Fox News Poll shows Trump with a disapproval rating of 64% and a 22% approval rating among independents against a 78% disapproval score. On inflation, the President’s approval rating is at 22%, marking a new low.

Seventy-four percent of respondents negatively rate the economy, with 53% fearing its deterioration next year. Nearly 60% cite the cost of living as their principal economic concern, while 55% believe inflation is not under control.

A significant 70% of voters aim to express a message to Trump through their midterm votes. If elections were held today, 54% would favor the Democratic House candidate, compared to 45% supporting the Republican.

Shapiro further noted to Newsweek, “Trump’s instinct here has been flawed in making the election about him. It relates to him, and that is the mandate. What can be done? Address tariffs contributing to price issues and the ramifications of the Iran conflict on energy costs and goods reliant on oil. Additionally, addressing the conflict as a foreign policy and security dilemma, which he hasn’t resolved as promised, could be beneficial.”

He added, “Trump’s low approval is pivotal in this election, potentially beyond repair without a sudden breakthrough in the Iran conflict or peace in Ukraine. To assist Republican campaigns, he might quietly bolster financial donations, saturate media avenues, mobilize Republican supporters, and reach out to undecided voters.”

Grant Davis Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University, shared his thoughts with Newsweek, remarking, “Not a major shift from earlier positions, merely a slight drop. Conditions appeared grim for Republicans prior; they have slightly worsened, given midterms generally reflect upon the president.”

According to the poll, Democrats are more trusted over Republicans on critical issues like healthcare, gas prices, artificial intelligence, and foreign policy. Republicans, however, have a stronger trust on issues like border security, crime, and immigration.

Comparative Polling Data

A separate survey by The Economist/YouGov recorded Trump’s approval rating at 38%, with a disapproval standing at 61%. It covered 1,403 registered voters from October 10 to October 12, with a 3.5% margin of error.

According to a Reuters/Ipsos survey, Trump’s approval stood at 32%, while disapproval was at 65%. Conducted from September 30 to October 5, the poll surveyed 4,506 respondents and had a 1.5% margin of error.

A Pew Research Center poll indicated that Trump’s approval was 30% in his second term, against a 68% disapproval rate. The poll covered 5,062 U.S. adults from September 28 to October 4, with a margin of error of 1.6%.

Newsweek reporters and editors collaborated with Martyn, an AI assistant, in producing this story. Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Edward T. Cummins.