With the midterm elections approaching in November, President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are struggling in most states. Only a few Republican-leaning states continue to give him positive feedback on his job performance.
Nationally, 35% of voters support Trump’s job performance while 59% disapprove, resulting in a net approval rating of -24. This is based on Civiqs’ ongoing online tracking survey of registered voters, with 124,759 responses gathered since January 2025, after Trump’s inauguration for a second term.
When examining each state individually, Trump is facing unfavorable ratings in all seven key battleground states that he won in the 2024 presidential election. These states hold the potential to influence control of Congress, making shifts in voter support crucial for the upcoming midterms.
Previously, Trump had positive ratings in states like Indiana and Mississippi, but he is now in negative territory.
The White House dismisses his low approval ratings, emphasizing Trump’s 2024 election victory as a clear endorsement from the public.
Why Trump’s Approval Ratings Matter
A president’s party often loses seats during midterm elections. Given Trump’s widespread unpopularity, Republicans are striving to maintain their narrow majorities in the House and Senate. Democrats aim to secure enough seats to gain control in Congress and potentially block the president’s agenda for the duration of his second term.
States Where Trump Is Popular
The Civiqs poll indicates Trump has his highest net approval in Wyoming with 56% approval versus 35% disapproval, resulting in a net approval of +22. Other states where Trump’s approval is positive include:
- North Dakota: +18 (56% approve, 37% disapprove)
- South Dakota: +9 (51% approve, 42% disapprove)
- Alabama: +6 (49% approve, 43% disapprove)
- Idaho: +9 (50% approve, 41% disapprove)
- West Virginia: +13 (52% approve, 39% disapprove)
- Arkansas: +8 (51% approve, 43% disapprove)
- Oklahoma: +7 (50% approve, 43% disapprove)
- Montana: +4 (48% approve, 44% disapprove)
Despite these positive ratings, states like Indiana and Mississippi saw Trump’s approval dip underwater recently. Even in states where Trump ranks highest, there is a notable decline compared to the beginning of his second term.
States Where Trump Is Least Popular
Trump’s lowest approval ratings are concentrated in Democratic-majority states. Hawaii shows the poorest numbers with only 18% approval and 78% disapproval, resulting in a net approval of -60. Other states where Trump’s approval is low include:
- Vermont: -54 (20% approve, 75% disapprove)
- Maryland: -52 (21% approve, 73% disapprove)
- Massachusetts: -48 (24% approve, 71% disapprove)
- California: -43 (26% approve, 69% disapprove)
- Connecticut: -41 (27% approve, 68% disapprove)
- Washington: -43 (26% approve, 69% disapprove)
- Oregon: -40 (28% approve, 68% disapprove)
- New York: -39 (28% approve, 67% disapprove)
Trump’s Position in Battleground States
Trump’s approval ratings are low in all seven swing states he secured in the 2024 election, threatening Republicans in key midterm races:
- Arizona: -13 (41% approve, 53% disapprove)
- Georgia: -23 (35% approve, 58% disapprove)
- Michigan: -22 (36% approve, 58% disapprove)
- Nevada: -21 (36% approve, 58% disapprove)
- North Carolina: -16 (39% approve, 55% disapprove)
- Pennsylvania: -19 (37% approve, 56% disapprove)
- Wisconsin: -17 (39% approve, 56% disapprove)
Even Florida, a former swing state now often Republican, sees Trump’s approval underwater at -11, with 42% approving and 53% disapproving.
Implications for Midterm Elections
Trump’s approval ratings may negatively impact Republican candidates in the midterms, according to Costas Panagopoulos from Northeastern University. He noted that presidential approval ratings predict midterm results reliably. States where Trump is disliked may see Republican candidates suffer, possibly enabling Democrats to achieve a majority in Congress.
Grant Davis Reeher from Syracuse University labeled the political landscape unfavorable for Trump, noting that midterms serve as referendums on the first two years of a presidency.
Reeher highlighted that while Democrats are also facing low approval ratings, they might perform well and regain the House due to various factors.
White House’s Perspective
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle commented that the nearly 80 million who voted for Trump provided a mandate for pursuing his agenda. He emphasized the president’s achievements in areas like job creation and inflation control.
Ingle asserted Trump has made historic progress in America and globally, beginning with his agenda’s implementation.
To reach Newsweek’s editorial team about the story, contact John Fitzpatrick and Shakeema Edwards.