Donald Trump saw his approval rating sink to 36 percent just two weeks before the midterm elections. A poll conducted by the New York Times and Siena College recorded the lowest numbers yet for the US president.
The survey of approximately 3,494 likely voters found that 59 percent disapproved of his job performance overall. Also, 52 percent of respondents stated they planned to cast their ballots for the Democratic candidate in the upcoming election.
Voters expressed widespread frustration regarding the administration’s handling of economic matters and the cost of living. On the specific issue of gas prices, 73 percent of registered voters registered disapproval. Meanwhile, 69 percent disapproved of the cost of living, and 64 percent disapproved of the broader economy.
These polling figures present a difficult scenario for Republicans. The party faces a challenging path to defeat Democrats and maintain its majority control in Congress.
Trump has campaigned extensively across the country for candidates aligned with his movement. At the same time, certain candidates have attempted to distance themselves from the president due to growing unpopularity over economic policies.
During the 2024 campaign, Trump pledged to reduce everyday expenses for Americans, maintain low inflation, and prevent the United States from entering additional foreign conflicts.
Economic indicators show persistent pressures. Gas prices exceeded $4.25 a gallon, inflation rose to 3.7 percent, and the conflict with Iran continued.
Between September and October, the president’s approval rating dropped by two percentage points in the same polling series.
Democratic candidates have focused heavily on cost-of-living concerns to win over independent and undecided voters. They have pledged to counter policies like tariffs that drive up expenses.
Despite Democrats holding an advantage in the polling data, the party continues to face substantial financial opposition in competitive races across states including Texas, Ohio, New York, Alaska, and Iowa.
