Most Americans Say Trump Uses Presidency to Enrich Himself, Poll Finds 2026

A new Washington Post-ABC poll reveals that most Americans believe President Donald Trump is using the presidency to enrich himself, as his approval rating hits a new low ahead of November's midterm elections. The survey found that 66% of respondents think Trump is using the office for personal financial gain, a 12-point jump from last September.

The poll also shows Trump's overall approval rating at 33%, with 48% of Americans saying they are financially worse off than when he returned to office in January 2025. These numbers paint a challenging picture for Republicans as they gear up for the midterms.

What the Poll Found: Key Numbers

The Washington Post-ABC poll, released this week, surveyed a national sample of adults and uncovered several striking trends. Trump's approval rating stands at 33%, the lowest of his current term. Meanwhile, 66% of respondents believe he is using the presidency to enrich himself, including 34% of Republicans—a notable share of his own base.

The financial outlook is equally grim: 48% say they are financially worse off than when Trump took office in 2025. According to the Post, this is the highest percentage saying so about any president since the poll series began in 1986. Additionally, 75% rate current economic conditions as "not so good" or "poor."

On press freedom, 67% said Trump is not committed to protecting it, following his administration's attempt to ban CNN, MS Now, and Politico from White House grounds—a move later blocked by a federal judge.

Why These Numbers Matter for the Midterms

With midterm elections approaching, these poll numbers signal trouble for Republicans. Trump has been campaigning aggressively for embattled GOP candidates, but his low approval and the public's pessimistic economic view could drag down the party's prospects. The survey underscores that voters are deeply concerned about the economy and ethics in government.

The 12-point increase in those believing Trump is enriching himself suggests that recent controversies have resonated with the public. Even within his own party, a third of Republicans harbor this view, which could dampen enthusiasm among the base.

Economic Pessimism Dominates Voter Sentiment

The poll reveals that Americans are overwhelmingly negative about the economy. Three-quarters of respondents rate conditions as "not so good" or "poor," and nearly half feel financially worse off than when Trump returned to office. This pessimism is a critical challenge for the administration, which has promised a "new golden age."

These economic concerns are likely to be a central theme in the midterm campaigns. Democrats will seize on the data to argue that Republican policies have hurt working families, while Republicans will struggle to convince voters that the economy is on the right track.

The Enrichment Question: A Growing Concern

The finding that two-thirds of Americans believe Trump is using the presidency to enrich himself is particularly striking. It cuts across party lines, with more than a third of Republicans agreeing. This perception could erode trust in government and fuel calls for ethics reforms.

While the poll does not specify what actions respondents had in mind, it comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Trump's business dealings and potential conflicts of interest. The 12-point jump from last September indicates that this concern has intensified over the past year.

Press Freedom and the CNN Ban Controversy

Another significant finding is that 67% of Americans say Trump is not committed to protecting freedom of the press. This follows a protracted battle over the administration's attempt to ban certain media outlets from White House grounds. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the ban, but the episode has left an impression on the public.

Press freedom is a cornerstone of American democracy, and the poll suggests that most Americans see the administration's actions as a threat to that principle. This could become another wedge issue in the midterms.

What to Watch Next

As the midterms approach, all eyes will be on whether these poll numbers translate into votes. Trump's campaign blitz for Republican candidates may energize his base, but the broader electorate appears skeptical. The economy and ethics will likely dominate the discourse. The background to this story is set out in Seth Meyers Blasts Trump Approval Ratings Worse Than Bush Iraq. A related thread runs through Trump Approval Ratings Plummet to Record Low of 32% in New Polls. Earlier coverage in Florida Republican Byron Donalds Distances Himself From Trump shows how the argument developed.

For those tracking the intersection of business and politics, the poll's findings on financial enrichment are particularly relevant. The Trump tax bill and its impact on pass-through businesses have been a subject of debate, and questions about how the president's policies benefit the wealthy continue to swirl. The perception that Trump is enriching himself could influence how voters view tax and economic policies. To understand the nuances of the Trump tax bill and its effects on pass-through businesses, see this analysis of the Trump tax bill and pass-through businesses. Meanwhile, the political fallout is already reshaping races, as seen in how Florida Republican Byron Donalds distances himself from Trump. A closer look at the same subject appears in Seth Meyers Slams Trump's Low Approval Rating in Late Night. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Australia Poll: Albanese Approval Drops to New Low. The same theme surfaces in Trump Approval Rating Plummets as His Fortune Grows, which takes a different angle.

These dynamics will be crucial in the coming months as both parties make their final pitches to voters. The poll serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the administration and the Republican Party as they seek to maintain control of Congress. Context on how this played out before sits in Sussexes UK Return Poll Shows Public Apathy. A companion piece, Democrats Train 50,000 Poll Monitors to Protect Elections, approaches the same subject from another angle.