Full Breakdown
Trump’s Approval Rating Hits Record Lows as He Launches Midterm Campaign Tour
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
He framed the comment as a prelude to a 32-day campaign blitz aimed at defending Republican control of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections.
Background & Context
Midterm elections traditionally serve as a referendum on the sitting president, and historically the president’s party loses seats. Trump’s disapproval rating reached a career-high after the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot and has risen again amid high gasoline prices, a war in Iran, and tariff-related inflation.
Data & Statistics
| Poll / Source | Period surveyed | Approval | Disapproval | Net rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac University (1,032 registered voters) | Sept 24-27 | 34 % | 61 % | –27 pts |
| Wall Street Journal (1,500 registered voters) | Sept 16-21 | 37 % | 61 % | –24 pts |
| RealClearPolitics average (registered voters) | as of Sept 28 | 38.7 % | 59.9 % | –21.2 pts |
*Net rating = approval – disapproval.*
Partisan splits are stark: 81 % of Republicans approve of Trump, while only 4 % of Democrats do. Among independents, 25 % approve; among women, 26 % approve versus 41 % of men. The Quinnipiac poll recorded a 65 % disapproval of the economy and a 60 % belief that Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions.
Official Statements & Responses
White House spokesman Davis Ingle defended the administration’s record, arguing that critics have “underestimated” Trump’s impact on jobs, inflation, and housing affordability and that “real results” will emerge as policies take effect.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve done a very bad job of explaining how good the country is doing,” — Donald Trump
What’s Next
Trump’s itinerary, reported by POLITICO and the Associated Press, includes stops in Texas and Oklahoma on October 1, Alabama on October 2, and Ohio on October 3. Additional appearances are planned for Alaska, Florida, Iowa, and other states. Civiqs data shows that, as of September 28, Trump remains above water only in Alabama and Oklahoma; all other planned stops show higher disapproval than approval.
The campaign effort will coincide with competitive Senate, House, and gubernatorial races, many of which hinge on voter turnout in states where his net approval ranges from plus 5 (Alabama) to minus 20 (Texas). As the November 3 midterms approach, the interplay between Trump’s personal ratings and Republican candidates’ fortunes will be closely monitored.
