Story perspectives

Trump Approval Hits Record Low in October Polls

By Drooid · Oct 18, 2026, 5:57 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Trump Economy Disapproval

October 2026 polls show U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating at a record low ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
A majority of Republican voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, according to the surveys.
Fox News poll Oct. 14 recorded 36% approval, the lowest in either term.
The AP-NORC poll showed Democrats leading Republicans by nine points in a generic congressional ballot.

Left

Rural Survival Mode

Recent October 2026 polls show U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating at a record low ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Voters angry over soaring living costs demand systemic change, with 96% of Republicans and two-thirds of independents citing an affordability crisis and no party solutions.
Eighty-five percent say the economy tops their voting considerations.
Forty percent of rural Americans report living in ‘survival mode,’ vulnerable to any surprise bill.

Blindspot

A Harris poll found that 96% of Republican respondents say the United States is facing an affordability crisis.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

After the Gulf War, President George H. W. Bush entered 1992 with 89% approval, but a recession dropped his Gallup rating to 35% and his popular-vote share to 37.5%, the worst for a sitting president since 1912. Voter anger over rising costs helped Bill Clinton win, a pattern echoed today as 2026 polls show Donald Trump at 36% approval and Republicans citing an affordability crisis.

1 of 4

Trump Economy Disapproval

October 2026 polls show U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating at a record low ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
A majority of Republican voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, according to the surveys.
Fox News poll Oct. 14 recorded 36% approval, the lowest in either term.
The AP-NORC poll showed Democrats leading Republicans by nine points in a generic congressional ballot.

1 / 4