Politics news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Trump’s ratings hit lowest-ever in brutal poll on eve of the election as Republicans privately blame the president for predicted bloodbath
A Morning Consult poll found that 56 per cent of voters disapprove of President Donald Trump’s performance, against 41 per cent who approve, giving him a net rating of minus 15, the lowest of either term. The figures come ahead of the midterm elections and coincide with a seven-point Democratic lead among likely voters on the generic congressional ballot, raising concern among Republicans about the party’s prospects.
The poll also found that 46 per cent strongly disapprove of Trump, compared with 22 per cent who strongly approve. Republican confidence in the party’s direction has fallen to 68 per cent, from 82 per cent in early 2025, while voters say the administration is not giving enough attention to prices and housing costs. Some Republican lawmakers privately warn that a poor election result could weaken Trump’s influence, though others expect him to remain a force in the party.
In short
- Trump’s net approval rating is minus 15, his lowest in either term.
- Democrats lead Republicans by seven points among likely voters.
- Some Republicans fear election losses could reduce Trump’s influence.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The poll suggests that voters’ dissatisfaction with Trump and concerns about prices and housing could put Republicans at a disadvantage, while the drop in Republican confidence may signal unease within the party. Republicans who fear a poor result could weaken Trump’s influence have reason to see the ratings as a warning about the party’s prospects.
The case against
A poll is a snapshot of opinion ahead of an election, not a prediction of its result, and voters may weigh candidates, local issues and turnout differently when they vote. Republicans who expect Trump to remain influential can argue that one poor polling period or election result would not necessarily determine his longer-term standing in the party.
Explained simply
In US midterm elections, voters choose members of Congress halfway through a president’s four-year term. All seats in the House of Representatives and about a third of the Senate are contested, and the results can affect which party controls Congress and how readily the president can pass laws.
Donald Trump is a Republican president, and Republicans currently hold power in Washington. The Democratic and Republican parties compete for seats in Congress; voters’ views of the president and of issues such as prices and housing costs can influence how they vote.
A party that loses seats may find it harder to advance its plans, while its leaders may face pressure to change course. Election results can also shape how much influence a president has within their own party, though that influence can continue after a setback.
Elections Government Politics World