Trump stuck at lowest approval rating of his presidency as midterms approach

Donald Trump’s approval rating has remained at 33%, its lowest level of his presidency, as voters express dissatisfaction with the war in Iran and his handling of the economy.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll marked the third consecutive survey in which 33% of respondents approved of Trump’s performance. His rating remains below the 35% low reached by former President Joe Biden in October 2024, and well below the 47% approval Trump recorded early in his current term.

The findings come as Republicans prepare to defend narrow congressional majorities in the November 3 midterm elections. Democrats appeared more energized, with 46% of self-identified Democrats saying they were very enthusiastic about voting, compared with 31% of Republicans. Among independents, 36% said they would vote for Democratic congressional candidates if the election were held that day, while 22% chose Republicans.

Economic concerns were prominent in the poll. Seventy-one percent of Americans, including four in 10 Republicans, disapproved of Trump’s handling of the cost of living. Democrats also led Republicans for the first time in about a decade when voters were asked which party had better ideas for the economy.

Only 36% approved of Trump’s handling of the war in Iran. The poll said gasoline prices had surged since Trump ordered US bombing there in February, while Iran had largely blocked a major transit point for global oil trade. The four-day survey of 1,167 US adults had a margin of error of three percentage points.