Trump Approval Rating Drops to 36% Two Weeks Before Midterms 2026

President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 36%, according to a new poll by the New York Times/Siena College, just two weeks before the midterm elections. The survey of approximately 3,494 likely voters found that 59% disapprove of Trump's job performance, marking the lowest approval rating recorded in this poll.

The poll paints a gloomy picture for Trump and Republicans as they battle to maintain control of Congress. With 52% of respondents planning to vote for the Democratic candidate, the president's unpopularity could be a major drag on GOP candidates in key races.

Economic Discontent Drives Disapproval

Much of the disapproval toward Trump is linked to his handling of the economy and cost-of-living issues. A staggering 73% of registered voters disapprove of his handling of gas prices, while 69% disapprove of his approach to the cost of living. On the broader economy, 64% disapprove.

These numbers suggest that despite any positive economic indicators, voters are feeling the pinch of rising prices and are blaming the administration. The cost-of-living crisis has become a central theme in the midterm campaigns, with Democrats seizing on it to attack Republicans.

Iran War Adds to Voter Frustration

The ongoing Iran war, which has dragged on for nearly eight months, has also contributed to Trump's sinking approval. Approximately 65% of respondents disapprove of his handling of the conflict, which has pushed gas and oil prices higher.

The war has not only heightened geopolitical tensions but also exacerbated economic pain at home. As gas prices climb, voters are increasingly frustrated with the president's foreign policy decisions and their direct impact on their wallets.

Midterm Implications for Republicans

With Trump's approval rating at a low point, Republican candidates face an uphill battle. In past elections, Trump's name recognition and base turnout helped lift GOP candidates, but this time, some are distancing themselves from the president.

The poll indicates that 52% of likely voters plan to vote for the Democratic candidate, which, if accurate, would spell trouble for Republicans in tight races. The president's unpopularity could depress turnout among moderate Republicans and independents, while energizing Democratic voters. The background to this story is set out in Labor Union Candidates Aim to Retake Congress in Midterms. A related thread runs through Seth Meyers Slams Trump's Unpopularity and Approval Rating. Earlier coverage in Midterms 2024: Record Spending Reshapes Key Races shows how the argument developed.

• Trump's approval rating stands at 36%, with 59% disapproving.
• Economic issues like gas prices and cost of living drive much of the discontent.
• The Iran war has further eroded support, with 65% disapproving of its handling.
• 52% of likely voters plan to vote Democratic in the midterms.
• Some Republican candidates are distancing themselves from the president.

What This Means for the Midterms

As the midterms approach, the president's low approval rating could be a decisive factor. Historical trends show that a president's party typically loses seats in midterm elections, and with approval this low, Republicans could face significant losses. 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 Jimmy Kimmel Mocks Trump Approval Rating: Between Ebola and Ed Sheeran. The same theme surfaces in Medicare for All: Key Pressure Point for Democrats in Midterms, which takes a different angle.

However, the poll is just one snapshot, and the actual outcome will depend on turnout, local issues, and candidate quality. But for now, the numbers suggest a challenging environment for the GOP. Context on how this played out before sits in Trump's Healthcare Cuts: Punishing the Poor Before Midterms. A companion piece, Seth Meyers Blasts Trump Approval Ratings Worse Than Bush Iraq, approaches the same subject from another angle.

FAQ

The president's sagging approval numbers have not gone unnoticed by late-night hosts. Seth Meyers recently slammed Trump's unpopularity and approval rating, highlighting the political peril for Republicans. Meanwhile, Trump's approval rating plummets as his fortune grows, according to separate analyses. Meyers also criticized Trump's low approval rating in late night, and Jimmy Kimmel mocked the president's standing between Ebola and Ed Sheeran. For a historical comparison, Seth Meyers blasted Trump's approval ratings as worse than Bush's during the Iraq War.

Internationally, approval ratings are also making headlines. In Australia, a poll shows Albanese approval drops to new low, while the Coalition's lowest poll rating is covered in Australia news roundup. Albanese approval plummets as Australia faces rate hike and chatbot, and Angus Taylor approval plummets in latest Essential Poll. Back in the US, Seth Meyers slams Trump's approval ratings as worse than Bush.

As the midterms draw nearer, all eyes will be on whether Trump's unpopularity translates into Democratic gains. With the economy and war weighing heavily on voters' minds, the president's ability to rally his base may not be enough to overcome the broader discontent.