Trump Says GOP Voters Are Angry at Republicans, Not Him, as Midterms Loom

He framed the central question for the 2026 midterm elections as whether his supporters will turn out without him on the ballot. “They’re angry at Republicans, but they’re not angry at me,” — Trump told Punchbowl News.

The Hill

Trump, ineligible to appear on any November 3 ballot, has spent weeks campaigning for Republican candidates and promoting the “SAVE America Act,” a voting-restriction proposal. His relationship with Senate Majority Leader John Thune has soured, while he has praised House Speaker Mike Johnson. (The Hill; CNN)

CNN

• Presidential approval: Quinnipiac poll (July 23-27) 32 % approval, 58 % disapproval.

Newsweek

• Other polls: AP-NORC (July 23-27) 33 % approval; Reuters/Ipsos (July 29-Aug 3) 35 % approval; Silver Bulletin average (Aug 7) 38.2 % approval.

Newsweek

• Generic congressional ballot: CNN’s SSRS poll (late July) showed Democrats ahead by 8 points among registered voters; Decision Desk HQ average placed the lead at just over 6 points.

Newsweek

• Economic perception: Reuters/Ipsos poll (July 29-Aug 3) found 37 % said Democrats had a better approach to the economy, the first time in nearly a decade that Democrats led Republicans on this issue.

Newsweek

Trump emphasized his record in several states, claiming “I have records in many of the states” and noting his busy schedule. He said his MAGA Inc. “could spend it on pretty much anything I want.” When asked about Thune, Trump replied, “I don’t want to get into that,” describing the disagreement over the SAVE America Act as “unfortunate.”

CNN

Analysts note that midterms historically penalize the president’s party, and the GOP’s narrow majorities hinge on voter turnout. Trump’s claim that his base’s anger is directed at congressional Republicans, not him, suggests a strategy of mobilizing supporters while distancing the party’s setbacks from his brand. If his supporters abstain, Democratic leads in generic-ballot polls could translate into losses for Republican incumbents.

The Hill

• Approval ratings: Sources report a range from 32 % (Quinnipiac) to 38.2 % (Silver Bulletin), reflecting differing methodologies.

Newsweek

• Generic ballot lead: Reported Democratic advantages vary between an 8-point lead (CNN/SSRS) and a “just over 6-point” lead (Decision Desk HQ).

Newsweek

• Impact of the SAVE America Act: While Trump says his super-PAC can fund Republican campaigns, the amount and timing of any spending remain unclear.

CNN

• “They’re angry at Republicans, but they’re not angry at me,” — Trump, Punchbowl News.

The Hill

• “At lot of them are very angry at Republicans, to be honest with you,” — Trump.

USA Today

• “I could spend it on pretty much anything I want,” — Trump.

CNN

• “The question is...if I don't run, will those people go out and vote? And that's the one thing I can't tell you.” — Trump.

Newsweek