President Donald Trump’s approval rating has decreased to 37 percent. This marks a new low for any president in the lead-up to a midterm election since Wall Street Journal polls began in 1990. According to a survey conducted from September 16-21 of 1,500 registered voters, 61 percent disapprove of Trump’s job performance. These findings emerge as Republicans face heightened concerns over their November midterm election prospects, amid recent indicators of declining presidential popularity.
The recent Journal survey indicates that 37 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, while 61 percent disapprove. This poll also reveals signs of weakening support among Trump’s base. Eleven percent of voters who supported Trump in the 2024 election now express regret. For Republicans not identifying with the MAGA movement, 11 percent intend to support a Democratic congressional candidate this fall. These results contribute to evidence of Trump’s waning political standing as the midterms approach.
Newsweek reported that Trump’s net approval rating in Nate Silver’s polling tracker has dropped to minus 22.4, a low point in both of his terms. Silver noted, “Trump approval now at -22.4, his low point for the term and now lower than at any point in his first term, even after Jan. 6.” VoteHub’s polling average also reflects Trump’s net approval at minus 22.4.
Voters Sour on Economy
The Wall Street Journal survey highlights widespread economic pessimism. Nearly 65 percent of respondents rated the U.S. economy negatively, compared to 33 percent with a positive view. Moreover, 60 percent believe Trump’s economic policies worsened the economy, while 25 percent feel they improved it. These findings align with recent polling reported by Newsweek.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released earlier this month showed Trump at 32 percent approval, while an American Research Group survey rated his approval at 29 percent. Multiple surveys highlight concerns over inflation, fuel costs, household finances, and the broader cost of living. Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, told Newsweek: “Overall it’s pretty clear that Trump’s numbers are worse now than they were eight years ago. Dissatisfaction with the economy/inflation is probably the biggest reason why.” The White House consistently dismisses such polling.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle previously stated that the 2024 election itself serves as the “ultimate poll,” noting that almost 80 million Americans voted for Trump’s agenda. Ingle also mentioned the administration’s “historic progress” on jobs, inflation, and housing affordability.
Republicans Face Midterm Alarm
The latest figures arrive as Republicans grapple with increasing concerns about the political climate leading up to Election Day. The Journal reports that GOP candidates and strategists are troubled by recent polling and voter sentiment. Some candidates aim to distance themselves from Trump on issues ranging from the Iran conflict to economic policy.
This poll occurs as certain Republicans openly challenge Trump and his administration. Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, recently stated that lawmakers should not be deemed disloyal for opposing the president, suggesting White House officials need to “get over a loyalty test or a perfect test.” Tillis argued that Republicans in some states may need to distance themselves from the White House when disagreeing with administration policies.
Political analysts have warned for several months that Trump’s weak approval numbers could create broader challenges for GOP candidates. Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of Inside Elections, noted earlier this month, “Any midterm election with an unpopular president is potentially treacherous for his party.”
The latest Journal poll is not the only red flag for Republicans. A state-by-state analysis published this month shows Trump underwater in 41 states and every major battleground state. The analysis, using Civiqs tracking data, indicates only nine states still offer the president a positive net approval rating. Significant declines occurred in Iowa, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
Political analysts emphasize that while approval ratings alone do not determine election results, presidential approval remains a key indicator of the national political environment. The Journal’s recent findings imply that Republicans are entering the campaign’s final stretch in a historically challenging environment, with Democrats needing only modest gains to reclaim the House, and several Senate races still highly competitive.