Story perspectives

Trump Hits 62% Disapproval, Threatening GOP Midterms

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

A May 2026 ABC News-Washington Post-Ipsos poll gave President Donald Trump a 62% disapproval rating, the highest recorded in his second term.
National surveys show his overall approval in the low-30s while disapproval exceeds 60%.
Republican voters still back Trump at roughly 75% approval, though that figure has slipped from earlier in his term.
Analysts warn his poor polling could jeopardize down-ballot Republican candidates in the November 2026 midterm elections.

History

Historical Context

Watergate’s break-in on June 17 1972 and the subsequent cover-up led the House Judiciary Committee to vote for impeachment articles in July 1974. After the “smoking-gun” tape was released on August 5, 1974, Nixon’s approval sank to 24 percent and he resigned on August 8, succeeded by Gerald Ford. The scandal reshaped congressional oversight and still frames comparisons to today’s presidential polling.

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Story summary

A May 2026 ABC News-Washington Post-Ipsos poll gave President Donald Trump a 62% disapproval rating, the highest recorded in his second term.
National surveys show his overall approval in the low-30s while disapproval exceeds 60%.
Republican voters still back Trump at roughly 75% approval, though that figure has slipped from earlier in his term.
Analysts warn his poor polling could jeopardize down-ballot Republican candidates in the November 2026 midterm elections.

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