Trump Approval Falls to Record Low As Republicans Face Midterm Pressure

President Donald Trump’s approval has dropped to 33%, the lowest across either of his terms, leaving Republicans defending their congressional majorities against rising economic dissatisfaction and a widening Democratic polling advantage.

The Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey found that 66% of U.S. adults disapprove of his performance, including 52% who do so strongly.

His approval has fallen four percentage points since July and eight points over the past year.

Among likely voters, the figures are less severe but remain unfavorable: 38% approve, and 62% disapprove.

Democrats lead Republicans by eight points in congressional voting preferences among both registered and likely voters. Their advantage among registered voters stood at three points in July.

The appetite for restraining the president is broader still.

Registered voters favor a Democratic Congress that would check Trump over a Republican majority supporting his agenda by 58% to 39%, roughly twice the margin recorded a year earlier.

Economic Confidence Erodes

Trump’s weakest ratings concern the economy. Approval of his economic management stands at 28%, compared with 33% in July and 41% in February.

About three-quarters disapprove of his approach to inflation and living costs.

Registered voters trust Democrats over Republicans on the economy by 40% to 33%, the first Democratic lead on that question in Post-ABC polling since 2014.

Democrats also lead by double digits on inflation and affordability.

Nearly half of Americans, 48%, say their finances have deteriorated since Trump returned to office in 2025.

That is the highest proportion reporting such a decline under any president in Post-ABC surveys dating to 1986.

Among those reporting financial deterioration, 78% favor Democrats for Congress.

Fuel prices illustrate the shift. Before the Iran war, 71% considered gasoline affordable in February.

Now, the same proportion considers it unaffordable, as the conflict disrupts supplies and shipping.

Majorities also regard groceries, healthcare, and household energy as unaffordable. Overall, 72% say the country is moving in the wrong direction, up five points from April.

Iran War Adds Pressure

The survey found that 65% regard military action against Iran as a mistake, while 68% disapprove of Trump’s handling of U.S. allies.

Discontent extends into his electoral coalition. Among people who voted for him in 2024, 23% disapprove of his overall performance, 31% of his economic management and 38% of his handling of inflation.

Most of these dissatisfied Trump voters still back Republican congressional candidates.

However, their willingness to vote is substantially weaker than among supporters who approve of the president.

Turnout Remains Decisive

Democratic registered voters are more likely to say they have already voted or are certain to do so, at 75%, compared with 67% of Republicans.

Republican divisions are particularly pronounced. Certainty of voting reaches 75% among Republicans aligned with the MAGA movement but falls to 57% among those outside it.

Republicans retain a financial advantage for political advertising. Some resources are being redirected toward candidates in more Republican areas, reflecting concerns about the party’s defensive position.

The national findings do not determine individual House or Senate results.

Republicans perform relatively well among people who voted in 2022 or 2024, while several competitive Senate contests remain unresolved.

Democrats also face substantial public skepticism: 54% of adults view the party unfavorably.

However, with Republican unfavorable ratings at 63%, dissatisfaction with both parties is currently benefiting the opposition.