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Trump Approval Lags Ahead of 2026 Midterms, Polls Show

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 10:36 PM UTC · How we work

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Disapproval Not Votes

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are examined as a factor in the 2026 midterm elections, 45 days before Election Day.
Analysts note that high disapproval does not automatically convert into votes for Democratic candidates.
A Marquette poll showed 37 % approve and 63 % disapprove of Trump’s performance.
A Fox News poll placed Trump’s national approval at 39 %.
Professor Grant Reeher told Newsweek disapproval does not automatically translate into Democratic votes.

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GOP Sidelines Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump’s 36% approval rating is being examined as a factor ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
His low approval has turned him into a political liability, prompting GOP ads to sideline him while Democrats emphasize his unpopularity.
Republican advertisers aired 12 TV ads mentioning Trump Sep 1-15, part of a $160 million budget.
Democratic advertisers ran 95 Trump-focused ads, spending nearly $23 million, one-fifth of their September ad spend.

Blindspot

Republican campaign ads in September mentioned Donald Trump in only 12 TV spots, part of a $160 million total ad budget, while Democratic ads referenced him in 95 spots, spending nearly $23 million.

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Disapproval Not Votes

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are examined as a factor in the 2026 midterm elections, 45 days before Election Day.
Analysts note that high disapproval does not automatically convert into votes for Democratic candidates.
A Marquette poll showed 37 % approve and 63 % disapprove of Trump’s performance.
A Fox News poll placed Trump’s national approval at 39 %.
Professor Grant Reeher told Newsweek disapproval does not automatically translate into Democratic votes.

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