Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Economy, Fuel Costs and Iran Weigh on Trump Before Midterms
A new survey asked thousands of American adults how they feel about the country and the coming elections.
Many people are unhappy with the economy, and fewer than before say it is doing well.
Most respondents said the economy matters a lot when they vote.
Many also worry about the cost of petrol and energy.
About two-thirds said President Trump’s economic policies made things worse.
Many people disapprove of how he is handling the conflict involving Iran.
Democrats currently lead Republicans in preferences for House elections.
The midterm elections are scheduled for 3 November.
A Pew Research Center survey found Trump’s approval at 30%, down from 34% in July and 37% in January.
Among registered voters, Democratic candidates lead Republicans by eight percentage points in preferences for House elections.
The economy was voters’ top issue: 84% said it was very important to their vote, while 21% rated conditions excellent or good.
About 65% said Trump’s economic policies had made conditions worse, and 74% were very concerned about gas and energy prices.
About 65% disapproved of Trump’s handling of US military action in Iran, up from 61% in March.
- Who
- US adults and registered voters surveyed by Pew Research Center; the survey also measured views of President Donald Trump.
- What
- The survey found growing dissatisfaction with the economy, fuel prices, Trump’s handling of Iran, and the country’s direction, alongside an eight-point Democratic lead in House preferences.
- When
- The survey was conducted from 28 September to 4 October; the midterms are scheduled for 3 November.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- Respondents cited concerns including economic conditions, gas and energy prices, and Trump’s handling of US military action in Iran.
Democratic and Democratic-leaning respondents
Republican and Republican-leaning respondents
Economic conditions and Trump’s policies
Democratic and Democratic-leaning respondents
Democrats overwhelmingly said Trump’s economic policies had worsened conditions; only 9% rated the economy excellent or good, and 56% described it as poor.
Republican and Republican-leaning respondents
Republicans were divided over the effects of Trump’s economic policies; 82% said the economy was very important to their vote.
US military action in Iran
Democratic and Democratic-leaning respondents
Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents remained overwhelmingly opposed to the conflict.
Republican and Republican-leaning respondents
Republican approval of Trump’s handling of the conflict fell from 69% at its start to 63% in the latest survey, though a majority still approved.
Engagement in the midterms
Democratic and Democratic-leaning respondents
Among Democratic supporters, 78% said which party controls Congress next year really matters, and 50% had thought a lot about the election.
Republican and Republican-leaning respondents
Among Republican supporters, 69% said control of Congress really matters, and 36% had thought a lot about the election.
- Survey organization
- Pew Research Center
- Survey dates
- 28 September to 4 October
- Survey sample
- 5,062 US adults, including 3,917 registered voters
- Trump approval
- 30%, down from 34% in July and 37% in January
- House preference
- Democratic candidates lead Republican candidates by 8 percentage points among registered voters
- Economy
- 84% said it was very important to their vote; 21% rated economic conditions excellent or good
- Gas and energy prices
- 74% said they were very concerned, up from 60% in July and 43% in January
- Midterm date
- 3 November