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Voters Disapprove Trump on Cost of Living, Poll Shows

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 2:17 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Cost of Living Disapproval

An AP-NORC poll conducted October 8-12, 2026 surveyed U.S. voters ahead of the November 3, 2026 midterm elections.
Only 36% approve President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, while 79% disapprove his handling of the cost of living.
About 80% of respondents said the economy or cost of living is a top issue.
45% want substantial change and 30% want complete upheaval in how the country is run.

Left

Election Integrity Anxiety

An AP-NORC poll conducted October 8-12, 2026 surveyed U.S. voters less than four weeks before the November 3, 2026 midterm elections.
The poll reveals strong anxiety about election integrity and rising living costs, especially among young and Latino voters, driving demands for accountability.
68% of Los Angeles County voters rated election administration good.
September CPI showed prices up 0.6% and 3.7% year-over-year, due to a 9.1% gasoline rise.

Blindspot

A Los Angeles County poll showed 68 % of likely voters rate election administration good or excellent; young and Latino respondents had the lowest confidence, leading officials to plan targeted social-media outreach.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 U.S. midterm elections, held on November 8, 1994, produced the Republican Revolution, giving the GOP a 54-seat House gain. Polls by Gallup that November showed 38% of voters disapproved the Clinton administration’s handling of the economy, while unemployment lingered at 5.6%. Today's 2026 AP-NORC surveys echo that pattern, with 36% disapproving President Trump’s economic stewardship and 79% criticizing cost-of-living management. The 1994 shift demonstrated how economic anxiety can trigger sweeping legislative turnover, suggesting 2026 voters may similarly reshape Congress and election reforms.

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Cost of Living Disapproval

An AP-NORC poll conducted October 8-12, 2026 surveyed U.S. voters ahead of the November 3, 2026 midterm elections.
Only 36% approve President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, while 79% disapprove his handling of the cost of living.
About 80% of respondents said the economy or cost of living is a top issue.
45% want substantial change and 30% want complete upheaval in how the country is run.

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