Record low just before the midterms: Trump in the poll as unpopular as ever

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating has reached a historic low as Americans grow increasingly dissatisfied with his leadership, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. Only 31 percent of U.S. adults expressed satisfaction with Trump’s performance in office, a decrease of one percentage point from two weeks ago and the lowest level recorded during either of his presidential terms. The findings highlight growing unease among the American public ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The poll, conducted online over four days, surveyed 1,679 U.S. adults, including 1,279 registered voters. It revealed a significant shift in voter preferences, with 47 percent of registered voters indicating they would support the Democratic Party if congressional elections were held immediately, compared to 35 percent backing the Republican Party. This 12-point lead represents the largest Democratic advantage recorded during the current election cycle. The results suggest that the Republican Party faces substantial challenges in retaining its majority in both chambers of Congress. Should the Democrats gain control of either the House of Representatives or the Senate, it could hinder Trump’s legislative priorities in the final two years of his presidency. However, national polls often fail to reflect the specific dynamics of individual states and districts, where the Republicans currently hold certain structural advantages. Gasoline prices have risen sharply in recent months, contributing to economic anxieties among voters. These concerns appear to be influencing public sentiment, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise in areas such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. The poll underscores a broader trend of dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of key issues affecting daily life. The survey also highlighted gender differences in political preferences. Approximately 50 percent of female voters indicated they would support Democratic candidates, compared to 32 percent who supported Republican candidates. Male voters also leaned toward the Democrats, though the gap between the two parties was less pronounced among men. Trump’s declining popularity follows a series of controversial decisions, including military actions taken in conjunction with Israel in February, which led to increased gasoline prices and added financial strain on households. According to the poll, 68 percent of Americans disapprove of how Trump has managed the economy, including 37 percent of self-identified Republicans. When asked which party would perform better in managing the economy, 40 percent of respondents selected the Democrats, while 33 percent chose the Republicans. This indicates a growing perception that the Democratic Party may offer more effective economic policies at this stage of the election cycle. The poll results have raised questions about the Republican Party’s ability to maintain its current dominance in Congress. With the midterms approaching, the outcome of key races, particularly in traditionally conservative states, will play a crucial role in determining whether the Republicans can retain their majorities in both the House and the Senate.