Story perspectives

Trump Approval Hits Historic Lows in October Polls

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 2:01 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to historic lows in two October 2026 polls.
58% of voters say the 2026 midterms should check Trump’s agenda.
The New York Times/Siena University poll found 36% approve and 59% disapprove of Trump.
CNN/SSRS reported Trump’s approval at 32%, seven points lower than before the 2018 midterms.

History

Historical Context

By July 1974, Richard Nixon’s Gallup approval had sunk to 24% as the House Judiciary Committee voted on three articles of impeachment and released the “smoking-gun” tape, prompting his August 9 resignation and a Democratic landslide in the 1974 midterms that added 49 seats. The episode set a precedent for how low presidential ratings can reshape congressional power.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to historic lows in two October 2026 polls.
58% of voters say the 2026 midterms should check Trump’s agenda.
The New York Times/Siena University poll found 36% approve and 59% disapprove of Trump.
CNN/SSRS reported Trump’s approval at 32%, seven points lower than before the 2018 midterms.

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