President Trump’s approval rating has reached its lowest point ever recorded in a Times/Siena survey. For several years, observers have noted his support has a consistent base, yet a restricted ceiling.
The latest New York Times/Siena poll, released this morning, puts the notion of Trump’s stable base to the test. Only 37% of Americans approve of his presidential performance, marking a four-point drop from January’s poll and his lowest rating in any Times/Siena survey during his terms.
Though a four-point decrease might not seem drastic, it places Trump’s ratings in unfamiliar political territory. In the past 17 years, no president has maintained an approval rating below 38% for more than a few days, according to average data. During this era of fierce partisanship, Trump’s current ratings might have reached the lowest reliable threshold.
The influence of issues such as the conflict in Iran and elevated gas prices remains uncertain in terms of possibly further diminishing Trump’s support base. Nevertheless, the poll clearly indicates these matters could contribute to even lower approval ratings. Only 28% of voters approve of his approach to managing the cost of living, while merely 31% support his handling of the war. Additionally, just 30% believe he made the proper decision in opting to attack Iran.
Politically, this translates to Democrats gaining ground ahead of the upcoming midterm elections in November. The poll reveals Democrats holding a double-digit advantage, 50% to 39%, among registered voters when queried about their preferred party for Congressional candidates. This signals a significant change in Times/Siena polls earlier in the cycle, where Democrats led by two to five points.