Story perspectives

Trump Approval Drops to Record-Low 33% Ahead Midterms

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 2:55 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Healey leads Massachusetts

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to a record-low 33% in an Oct 19 Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
It also reports a Massachusetts poll showing Governor Maura Healey ahead of Mike Minogue 57% to 32%.
A majority of respondents disapproved of Trump.
48% said they were financially worse off since Trump returned to office in 2025.

Left

Trump Enriches Presidency

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to 33% in a Washington Post-ABC poll, the lowest level ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
A majority of respondents disapproved of his performance.
67% say Trump does not protect press freedom after administration tried banning White House outlets.
48% say they are worse off since Trump returned in 2025, biggest drop since 1986.

Blindspot

The Washington Post-ABC poll showed a record low approval rating for President Donald Trump.

History

Historical Context

In August 1974, amid the Watergate scandal, President Richard Nixon’s Gallup approval sank to a historic 24 percent after the “smoking gun” tape exposed his role in the cover-up. The release spurred the House Judiciary Committee’s impeachment votes and a flood of public outrage, contributing to the Republican loss of 49 House seats in the 1974 midterms.

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Healey leads Massachusetts

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to a record-low 33% in an Oct 19 Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
It also reports a Massachusetts poll showing Governor Maura Healey ahead of Mike Minogue 57% to 32%.
A majority of respondents disapproved of Trump.
48% said they were financially worse off since Trump returned to office in 2025.

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