Story perspectives

Trump's Approval Hits Record Low Ahead of 2026 Midterms

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump faces a term-two approval low of -18 as of March 31, 2026, per CNN's chief data analyst Harry Enten.
His net approval among independent voters is -45, the worst at this stage for any president.
The decline in support is notable among working-class Americans and moderates, raising challenges for the Republican Party in the 2026 midterms.

History

Historical Context

In 1974, President Richard Nixon resigned due to the Watergate scandal, with his approval rating plummeting to 24%, the lowest for a sitting president. This event marked a significant decline in public trust in government. Similarly, Donald Trump's current -18 approval rating reflects ongoing disillusionment among voters, particularly impacting the Republican Party as they prepare for the 2026 midterms, reminiscent of the political turmoil of the 1970s.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump faces a term-two approval low of -18 as of March 31, 2026, per CNN's chief data analyst Harry Enten.
His net approval among independent voters is -45, the worst at this stage for any president.
The decline in support is notable among working-class Americans and moderates, raising challenges for the Republican Party in the 2026 midterms.

1 / 2