US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has risen slightly from a record low, but the political outlook for his Republican Party has deteriorated ahead of November’s congressional elections.
The poll put Trump’s approval rating at 35 per cent, up from 33 per cent in late August, when he recorded the lowest rating of his presidency. However, 62 per cent of Americans said they disapproved of his performance as president.
The survey also found growing support for Democrats ahead of the November midterm elections.
Asked which party they would support for Congress if the election were held today, 44 per cent of respondents chose Democrats, compared with 37 per cent for Republicans. The seven-point Democratic advantage is the largest recorded in a Reuters/Ipsos poll since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.
The findings represent a warning sign for Republicans, who are attempting to maintain control of Congress during the November 3 elections.
Trump has made himself a central figure in the Republican campaign, despite not being eligible to seek a third presidential term. The president addressed the party’s first-ever national midterm convention last week, seeking to rally Republican voters ahead of the elections.
However, several issues appear to be weighing on his political standing.
The poll found widespread opposition to Trump’s proposal to give every adult American a $5,000 payment if Republicans retain control of Congress. About 63 per cent of Americans said they disapproved of the proposal, including 40 per cent of Republicans.
The continuing war with Iran has also emerged as a political liability.
The conflict has contributed to severe disruption in global energy supplies and pushed oil prices sharply higher, increasing the cost of fuel and putting additional pressure on American households.
For the first time in a decade, the Reuters/Ipsos survey found that more Americans viewed Democrats than Republicans as the party better able to handle the economy, a significant shift given the traditional Republican advantage on economic issues.
Trump’s domestic priorities are also facing resistance.
The poll found strong opposition to some of his construction projects in Washington, including plans for a large ballroom at the White House. About two-thirds of Americans considered the project a low priority, with opposition extending to roughly half of Republicans.
The president’s approval rating remains particularly weak among Democrats and independents, while Republican support remains considerably stronger.
Nevertheless, the congressional numbers suggest that Republicans could face a difficult election if the current political environment persists.
The midterms will determine control of the House of Representatives and Senate, potentially determining how much of Trump’s agenda can be implemented during the remainder of his presidency.
The latest poll therefore presents a mixed picture for Trump: his personal approval has recovered slightly from its record low, but his party is facing a widening Democratic advantage less than two months before voters head to the polls.
- Reuters