Amid a global oil crisis and rising gas prices caused by the ongoing Iran war, President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to a new low, with majorities of Americans disapproving of his handling of various issues, according to a recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll. Despite these challenges, Democrats hold a slight lead in the upcoming midterm elections, although they are not running away with the race.
Trump’s Approval Ratings and Disapproval Trends
Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 37%, a record low for his second term, with his disapproval rating rising to 62%, the highest across both of his presidencies. This marks a slight decline from February, when his approval stood at 39% and his disapproval at 60%. His ratings are now comparable to those seen at the end of his first term, shortly after the January 6th Capitol insurrection.
Trump’s approval remains strongest among his party base, with 85% of Republicans still supporting him. However, strong approval among Republicans has decreased, dropping from 53% in September to 45% now. MAGA Republicans remain particularly loyal, with 95% approval, while non-MAGA Republicans show much lower approval (64%).
Trump’s approval among independents has plummeted to 25%, a record low for both his terms.
Americans’ Views on Trump’s Handling of Key Issues
The poll reveals that Americans are deeply dissatisfied with Trump’s handling of critical issues, particularly economic concerns. Nearly three-quarters of Americans (76%) disapprove of how Trump is handling the cost of living, with only 23% approving. A similar number (72%) disapprove of his handling of inflation, up from 65% in February.
Trump’s approval on economic issues, including managing the economy and taxes, is also low, with two-thirds disapproving of his economic policies. His ratings on foreign policy are similarly negative, with 66% disapproving of how he is handling the situation with Iran and 65% disapproving of his management of relations with U.S. allies.
Trump’s best issue, according to the poll, is immigration, where 45% approve and 54% disapprove. However, this approval is still worse than his ratings in previous months.
Midterm Election Outlook
Despite Trump’s declining approval, Democrats are leading in the midterm elections, though not by a wide margin. Among registered voters, 49% say they would vote for the Democratic candidate, compared to 44% for the Republican candidate, giving Democrats a 5-point edge. This represents a slight increase from the 2-point advantage Democrats held in previous months.
Independents show a wider preference for Democrats, with 52% favoring Democratic candidates for the House of Representatives, compared to 32% for Republicans. The Democratic lead has widened significantly from 2022 when the two parties were essentially tied.
Voter Engagement and Trust
Voter engagement is also a key factor in this year’s elections. 61% of Democratic voters say their vote is “much more important” than in previous midterms, compared to just 35% of Republicans who feel the same. Additionally, 79% of Democratic voters are “absolutely certain to vote”, compared to 72% of Republicans, indicating a higher level of enthusiasm among Democratic voters.
Trust in the Parties on Key Issues
While Democrats have a lead in the midterm election race, Americans are divided on which party is best equipped to handle key issues. Democrats are trusted more on healthcare, education, and cost of living, but Republicans lead on issues like immigration and crime.
On inflation and the economy, Americans are split, with Republicans leading on the economy and Democrats slightly ahead on handling inflation. Trust on issues like taxes, corruption, Iran, and AI is similarly divided.
Trump’s Policies and Unpopularity
Trump’s policies, particularly those related to military spending, birthright citizenship, and immigration, remain deeply unpopular. About two-thirds of Americans oppose increasing military spending, ending birthright citizenship, and ending humanitarian protections for immigrants.
Administration Approvals
Trump’s administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are also facing low approval ratings. In contrast, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who Trump appointed, has a 36% approval rating, although his term ends soon.
