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Only 33% of Americans approve of US President Donald Trump’s performance, while 66% disapprove, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll. The results mark a new low for his approval rating, two weeks before the midterm elections.
Among likely voters, 38% approve of Trump’s performance, while 62% disapprove. His overall approval rating is four percentage points lower than in July and eight points below the level recorded at the same time last year. It is also lower than at any point during his first term.
Democrats gain ground
For the first time in more than a decade, the poll found that Americans trust Democrats more than Republicans to handle the economy.
Democrats hold an eight-point advantage in the race for control of the House of Representatives among registered and likely voters, a five-point improvement since July.
Asked which party they would prefer to control Congress, 58% of registered voters chose Democrats, who would oversee and check Trump’s administration, while 39% preferred Republicans, who would support the president. The gap is roughly twice as wide as it was a year ago.
Concerns over the economy and Iran war
The Washington Post said the findings point to declining public confidence in the president. Americans are concerned about his decision to launch a war with Iran and the economic consequences, particularly rising gasoline prices.
Meanwhile, 72% of respondents said the country was heading in the wrong direction, up five percentage points from April.
Turnout remains a key factor
Republicans retain an overall advantage in spending on political advertising, which they hope will help counter Democratic gains.
However, Democrats have a substantial lead nationally among voters who say they will definitely vote or have already done so. Republicans perform relatively well among people who voted in the 2024 or 2022 elections.
It remains unclear how many of the 77 million people who voted for Trump in 2024 will turn out for the midterms. Turnout is typically lower in midterm elections than in presidential contests, and Republicans have historically faced greater challenges mobilizing supporters when Trump is not on the ballot.
Separately, reports have suggested that a Democratic victory in the November congressional elections could lead to renewed investigations into Trump’s administration and potentially another impeachment effort.
