WASHINGTON DC: With just few weeks remaining for the November 3 US midterm elections, President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to a career low of 31 per cent. Rising living costs, the Iran war & its fallout on the US economy and larger economic uncertainty fuel voter discontent. A Financial Times-Focaldata poll found that only about one-quarter of registered voters approved Trump’s handling of jobs and the economy, while 45 per cent believed he was making it harder for Republican candidates to win.
With Democrats gaining ground in competitive House races and voters increasingly favouring the opposition, Trump’s declining popularity poses a growing challenge for Republicans seeking to retain control of the Congress.
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Economic discontent puts Trump under pressure
The latest polls point to mounting frustration among the US voters with regard to Trump’s economic performance. This is threatening to undermine Republican prospects in the midterms. The Financial Times-Focaldata survey found that more than two-thirds of respondents believed the US economy was heading in the wrong direction. Only around one-fifth approved President’s handling of inflation, highlighting concerns over the cost of living.
The findings come as Trump has stepped up his involvement in congressional campaigns, with Republican lawmakers urging him to address voter concerns about rising prices. The US economy added just 29,000 jobs in September, falling well short of economists’ expectations and raising questions about the resilience of the labour market.
The broader picture is equally challenging for the President. An Associated Press-NORC survey found that 31 per cent of Americans approved of his performance, while separate polls by private media agencies recorded his rating at 32–33 per cent. The FT-Focaldata survey put it at 34 per cent, underscoring the deep public distrust on the Trump administration and sustained pressure on Trump as election day approaches.
TRUMP’S APPROVAL RATING HITS RECORD-LOW 33%; DEMOCRATS LEAD GOP BY 7.5 POINTS
Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to a record-low 33%, with growing voter dissatisfaction over the economy and cost of living.
Adding to Republican concerns ahead of the November midterms,…
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The AP-NORC poll, conducted from September 24 to 28, found that 73 per cent believed that the country was heading in the wrong direction, while 46 per cent said their families were worse off than when Trump began his second term. Economic dissatisfaction was particularly pronounced. Only 17 per cent approved of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while 26 per cent backed his management of the economy. Around 65 per cent blamed his policies more than factors beyond his control for higher-than-usual prices.
The findings represent a setback for President Donald Trump who campaigned on promises to curb inflation, revive American industry and improve household finances. About half of respondents expressed serious concerns about affording fuel and food, while roughly six in ten Republicans disapproved his handling of the cost of living.
The electoral implications are already becoming apparent. The reports recently shifted 18 House races towards Democrats and projected that the party could gain between nine and 19 seats in November. The assessment points to a deteriorating electoral environment for Republicans, who currently hold a narrow House majority.
Iran war, tariffs and jobs add to Republican concerns
Trump’s handling of the conflict with Iran has emerged as another significant political vulnerability and reason for lapse of public trust. A survey found that 64 per cen of respondents disapproved of his performance in office, while around 80 per cent of Americans, including 71 per cent of Republicans, expected US involvement in Iran to continue for an extended period.
The conflict has heightened concerns about energy prices and household expenditure. Disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have put pressure on global energy markets, while rising gasoline and diesel prices have added to the financial strain on American households. The AP-NORC survey found that 69 per cent of Americans believed that the war with Iran had not been worth fighting, while only 28 per cent approved of Trump’s handling of the conflict.
Trump had initially suggested that the military campaign would last only a few weeks, arguing that action was necessary to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The prospect of a prolonged conflict has since raised concerns about the financial and strategic costs of continued US involvement.
Trump trade policies face backlash
Donald Trump’s trade policies are also facing mounting opposition. Around 64 per cent of Americans believed Trump had gone too far in imposing tariffs, compared with 58 per cent in January. Only about three in ten approved of his handling of trade negotiations with other countries.
Persistent concerns over prices, employment and the Iran conflict could complicate Republican efforts to persuade voters that the administration is delivering on its promises.
Hispanic voters shift towards Democrats as midterms approach
The Hispanic voters refer to the U.S. citizens who are of Hispanic or Latino descent—including people with origins from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central America, South America or other Spanish culture. The erosion of Trump’s popularity is particularly pronounced among Hispanic voters, whose support helped him make significant gains in the 2024 Presidential election.
According to surveys, only 24 per cent of Hispanic Americans approved Trump’s performance, the lowest level recorded among this group during either of his Presidential terms. The shift is also evident in congressional voting preferences. Just 26 per cent of Hispanic voters intended to support Republican candidates, while 52 per cent favoured Democrats.
Republicans have also seen their advantage among older voters narrow. Those aged 50 and above favoured Republican candidates by just two percentage points, compared with an eight-point Republican lead in December. Among voters under 50, Democrats held an 18-point advantage.
The November 3 elections will determine all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats. With Republicans defending narrow congressional margins, economic dissatisfaction, opposition to the Iran war and weakening support among Hispanic and independent voters could prove consequential. As the campaign enters its final weeks, Republicans face the challenge of retaining their electoral coalition while addressing growing frustration with the administration.
