Trump’s Independent-Voter Approval Plummets as 2026 Midterms Loom

A CNN/SSRS poll conducted July 23-27 surveyed 1,225 adults and found that 24 % of independents approved of former President Donald Trump while 76 % disapproved, producing a net approval of -52. A separate The Economist/YouGov poll conducted July 25-27 with 1,559 U.S. adults reported 19 % approval and 72 % disapproval among independents, a net of -53—the lowest level recorded for Trump in this demographic during his second term. The same YouGov survey gave Trump an overall approval of 34 % and disapproval of 62 %, tying his record-low net job approval of -28 nationwide.

Newsweek

Political scientists note that presidents with sub-50 % approval historically see larger House losses. Gallup research shows parties of presidents below that threshold lose an average of 37 seats, versus 14 seats when approval exceeds 50 %. Past examples include Bill Clinton’s Democrats (-54 seats, 1994) and Barack Obama’s Democrats (-63 seats, 2010). Trump’s Republicans lost 41 seats in 2018, but the current independent-voter ratings suggest a potentially steeper decline if the trend persists.

Newsweek

Independents are often decisive in suburban and swing districts. Emerson College Polling’s July generic-ballot survey showed Democrats leading Republicans by 11 points (53 % to 42 %). The poll also recorded Trump’s job approval at 39 % with 57 % disapproval. Analysts warn that deep independent disapproval could pressure Republican candidates in competitive districts, turning the midterms into a de-facto referendum on Trump rather than a purely local contest.

Newsweek

The White House defended the president’s record, with Davis Ingle, a White House spokesman, stating: “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.” The statement emphasizes policy achievements despite the polling setbacks.

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, a White House spokesman

Newsweek