Trump’s Approval Rating Hits Record Low Ahead of Midterm Elections

A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll conducted April 24-28 2026 shows President Donald Trump’s overall approval at 37 percent and disapproval at 62 percent—the highest disapproval level recorded across both of his terms. The poll also notes that 85 percent of Republicans continue to back the president, while support among Republican-leaning independents has fallen to a record low of 56 percent.

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Earlier in the second term, Republican approval hovered near 75 percent (Issues & Insights/TIPP poll, early May 2026). Since February, the administration’s “mini-war” in Iran and a sharp rise in gasoline prices—over 40 percent since late February—have driven up public concern over the cost of living, inflation and the broader economy. Polls in February placed Trump’s overall approval at 39 percent; by early May it had slipped to the low-30s.

Daily Beast

• Overall approval: 34-39 percent across major surveys (ABC News/Washington Post-Ipsos, CNN Poll of Polls, Reuters/Ipsos).

Newsweek

• Disapproval: 62-67 percent (Washington Post-Ipsos, CNN Poll of Polls, AP-NORC).

Newsweek

• Republican support: 85 percent steady; strong Republican approval fell to 75 percent (I&I/TIPP).

The Guardian

• Republican-leaning independents: 56 percent approval (record low).

Trump’s disapproval rating hits all-time high, poll finds

• Independents overall: 25 percent approval.

Newsweek

• Democrats: 5 percent approval, 95 percent disapproval.

The Guardian

• Issue-specific disapproval: 66 percent (Iran war), 76 percent (cost of living), 72 percent (inflation), 65 percent (economy).

USA Today

• Public trust: 70 percent say Trump is not honest or trustworthy; ? 2/3 question his mental sharpness.

The Guardian

The midterm elections on Nov 3 2026 will determine whether Republicans retain their narrow House majority and Senate control. Democrats currently lead registered voters by five points on preferred House party and nine points among those “absolutely certain to vote.” High presidential disapproval is viewed as a liability for down-ballot GOP candidates, potentially affecting turnout, fundraising and swing-district outcomes.

The Hill

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle emphasized that the president’s agenda continues to deliver jobs, lower inflation and increased housing affordability, and that “the ultimate poll was November 5 2024 when nearly 80 million Americans overwhelmingly elected President Trump.” In a separate statement, Ingle asserted that the president does not base national-security decisions on poll numbers, citing “Operation Epic Fury” and the commitment to prevent Iran’s nuclear capability. An unnamed White House official later told MS NOW that “the vibe right now is we know we are already cooked in the midterms.”

Newsweek

Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, warned that Democrats are framing the midterms as a referendum on Trump, forcing Republicans to distance themselves from his policies. Michigan Republican strategist Jason Cabel Roe cautioned that the GOP has a limited window to stabilize energy prices before the summer, noting that “markets react to stability, not just supply.” Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, highlighted that recent redistricting has reduced the number of competitive seats, amplifying the impact of presidential approval on congressional outcomes.

The Hill

Approval figures vary: the Fox News poll reports 42 percent approval versus 58 percent disapproval, while other surveys place approval in the low-30s. Disapproval percentages range from 62 to 67 percent. Data on specific demographic breakdowns (e.g., age, race) are absent, limiting insight into which voter groups are driving the shifts.

Newsweek

• “No other President in history has accomplished more for the American people than President Trump, who is working tirelessly to create jobs, cool inflation, increase housing affordability, and more.” — Davis Ingle, White House spokesperson

Daily Beast

• “What matters most to the American people is having a Commander-in-Chief who takes decisive action to eliminate threats and keep them safe, which is exactly whatPresident Trumpdid with the successful Operation Epic Fury,” — Davis Ingle, White House spokesperson

The Hill

• “The Democrats are going to say, ‘This is about Trump.” — Spencer Kimball, Emerson College Polling

The Hill

• “Frankly, I’m past a point where I’m comfortable, but I still think we have the time,” — Jason Cabel Roe, Michigan Republican strategist

The Hill

• “the vibe right now is we know we are already cooked in the midterms.” — Anonymous White House official

The Hill

• “are creating fewer and fewer competitive seats, more and more solidly either Democratic or solidly Republican seats,” — Charles Franklin, Marquette Law School Poll

The Hill

With the November 3 midterms approaching, Republican candidates must navigate a president whose national approval sits at a historic low while managing the fallout from the Iran conflict and persistent economic pressures. The outcome will shape congressional control and set the stage for the 2028 presidential contest.

USA Today