Full Breakdown
Trump’s Unpopularity Drives the 2026 Midterm Stakes
By Drooid · · How we work
Voter Sentiment Ahead of the Midterms
A new Associated Press-NORC poll of 1,119 adults (925 registered voters) conducted in late September shows a broad desire for change. About eight-in-ten voters rank the economy or cost of living among their top issues, while roughly two-thirds cite healthcare and the war in Iran. Only about one-third hold a “very” or “somewhat” favorable view of President Donald Trump, and a similar share approve his performance. Among Republicans, approval of Trump’s handling of the cost of living is 44 % and of the economy 54 %; 69 % back his foreign-policy stance. Roughly half of voters want the Democratic Party to control either the House or the Senate, and only about four-in-ten favor continued Republican control of both chambers.
Campaign Activity and Rhetoric
In the final three weeks before the election, Trump has intensified a 32-day rally tour, warning that Ohio could be “plundered, ransacked and destroyed” if current policies continue. His schedule includes a rally in Alaska and planned appearances in Arizona and Montana later in the week.
Financial Landscape of the Race
Republican fundraising outpaces Democratic coffers. By the end of August, the Republican National Committee and allied groups reported more than $600 million cash on hand, compared with just under $400 million for the Democratic Party. The pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc held $416 million, and research firm AdImpact recorded over $1 billion in political ads aired in September, with Republicans outspending Democrats by roughly $200 million and leading spending in nearly all Senate “toss-up” contests.
Ethics Concerns and Conflict-of-Interest Allegations
A separate AP-NORC poll of 2,140 adults (Sept. 24-28) finds that six-in-ten Americans believe Trump is either illegally profiting from the presidency or acting unethically, while only about two-in-ten think he is doing nothing wrong. Among Democrats, eight-in-ten say the president is breaking the law; among Republicans, roughly one-in-ten share that view. The poll notes that 56 % think Trump has placed “a lot” of emphasis on his personal businesses since taking office, versus about 25 % who say he has prioritized the country to the same degree. The White House has repeatedly dismissed the accusations, stating categorically that the president has zero conflicts and acts solely in the nation’s interest.
Criticism & Opposition
- Oscar Delgado, a Democrat from Lansing, Michigan, says Trump is “turning greedy” and “not putting the country first.”
- Audra Pelsue, a Republican from Syracuse, New York, argues that criticism of Trump reflects “Trump derangement syndrome.”
- Lauren French, spokesperson for the Democrats’ Senate Majority PAC, contends that “Republicans are hoping to buy these elections, injecting tens of millions into races to try and outrun their unpopular candidates, unpopular president and unpopular economy.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “The world is going backwards. We can barely afford anything,” — Diana Walker
- “He’s not putting the country first,” — Oscar Delgado
What’s Next
- October 12, 2026 (scheduled): President Trump is slated to speak at a rally in Dalton, Georgia, ahead of the state’s pivotal Senate race.
- November 3 (scheduled): Voters will cast ballots in the midterm elections that will determine control of both chambers of Congress.