Story perspectives

Poll: Voters Split on Trump's Impact Ahead of Midterms

1/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The New York Times and Siena University poll finds 32% of voters say the U.S. is better off since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office, while 49% say it is worse off.
Voters disapprove of Trump's handling of key issues, including the economy and immigration.
Forty-two percent view him as among the worst presidents.
As the midterms approach, affordability concerns grow for voters in Pennsylvania, where Trump's coalition appears fracturing.

History

Historical Context

Franklin D. Roosevelt's landslide victory in the 1932 presidential election, winning 57% of the popular vote, marked a significant shift in U.S. politics amid the Great Depression. His defeat of incumbent Herbert Hoover ended 72 years of Republican dominance and initiated the New Deal era. Today, similar voter dissatisfaction is evident, with 49% believing the U.S. is worse off under Donald Trump, highlighting the enduring impact of economic conditions on elections.

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Story summary

The New York Times and Siena University poll finds 32% of voters say the U.S. is better off since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office, while 49% say it is worse off.
Voters disapprove of Trump's handling of key issues, including the economy and immigration.
Forty-two percent view him as among the worst presidents.
As the midterms approach, affordability concerns grow for voters in Pennsylvania, where Trump's coalition appears fracturing.

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