President Donald Trump’s approval rating has declined to 37%, marking the lowest for a president approaching a midterm election since 1990, according to a new Wall Street Journal survey. The poll, conducted from September 16-21 with 1,500 registered voters, revealed that 61% disapprove of Trump’s job performance. This comes as Republicans worry about their chances in the upcoming November midterms, with several recent surveys indicating a decline in Trump’s popularity.
The Journal survey highlights concerning trends within Trump’s support base. Among voters who supported Trump in the previous election, 11% expressed regret over their decision. Additionally, 11% of Republicans not identifying with the MAGA movement plan to support Democratic congressional candidates this fall. These findings contribute to the evidence suggesting a decline in Trump’s political influence as the midterms approach.
Reports from Newsweek show that Trump’s net approval rating in Nate Silver’s polling tracker dropped to minus 22.4, the lowest throughout his presidency. The same figure appeared in the VoteHub polling average. This decrease occurred even after the events of January 6 during his previous term.
Economic Concerns
The Wall Street Journal survey also revealed widespread economic pessimism. Two-thirds of respondents, 65%, rated the U.S. economy negatively, while only 33% viewed it positively. Moreover, 60% believed Trump’s economic policies worsened the economy, while 25% thought they improved it. These results are consistent with other recent polls. A Reuters/Ipsos poll recorded Trump’s approval at 32%, and an American Research Group survey placed it at 29%. Concerns over inflation, fuel prices, and the cost of living feature prominently in these surveys.
Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, pointed out that Trump’s approval numbers have worsened compared to eight years ago, primarily due to dissatisfaction with the economy and inflation. The White House has downplayed these poll results, with spokesman Davis Ingle emphasizing the 2024 election as the ultimate poll, noting that nearly 80 million Americans supported Trump’s agenda. Ingle also mentioned the administration’s progress in jobs, inflation, and housing affordability.
Republican Challenges
Republicans are increasingly concerned about the political landscape as Election Day nears. The Journal reported heightened anxiety among Republican candidates and strategists regarding recent polling data and voter opinions. Some candidates are distancing themselves from Trump on various issues, including economic policy and international conflicts.
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina stated that lawmakers should not be considered disloyal for disagreeing with the president. He urged some White House officials to abandon loyalty or perfection tests. Tillis also suggested that Republicans in certain states may need to separate from the White House when they disagree with its policies.
Political analysts have cautioned that Trump’s low approval numbers could present problems for Republican candidates. Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of Inside Elections, explained that midterms with an unpopular president could be hazardous for his party. A state-by-state analysis showed Trump holding a negative net approval rating in 41 states, including all major battleground states. Only nine states rated Trump positively, with the largest declines observed in Iowa, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
While approval ratings do not singlehandedly predict election outcomes, they remain a critical gauge of the national political atmosphere. The latest Wall Street Journal findings indicate Republicans are entering the campaign’s final phase in a challenging environment. Democrats need only moderate gains to retake the House, with several Senate races remaining fiercely contested.