Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Trump Approval Nears Second-Term Low Ahead of Midterms
President Donald Trump's popularity is being measured before the United States holds midterm elections.
One polling tracker said 34.9% of adults approved of his performance, while 62.1% disapproved.
Other polls gave Trump somewhat higher approval numbers.
This shows that polls can produce different results depending on how they are conducted.
Many Americans are concerned about the economy, trade, immigration enforcement, and the war in Iran.
Democrats have recently improved their position in polls about Congress.
Trump is traveling and asking his supporters to vote for candidates who support his policies.
The elections will choose members of Congress and governors across the country.
FiftyPlusOne reported Trump's average approval at 34.9% and disapproval at 62.1% on September 25.
Trump's highest second-term average approval was 54%, recorded on January 22, 2025.
The New York Times poll showed 37% approval and 61% disapproval, while Rasmussen reported 44% approval and 55% disapproval.
Voters' concerns include the economy, trade policy, immigration enforcement, and the ongoing war in Iran.
The November 3, 2026, midterms will decide all 435 House seats, one-third of the Senate, and 36 governorships.
- Who
- President Donald Trump, American voters, Democrats, and candidates competing in the 2026 midterm elections.
- What
- Trump's approval rating has fallen near its lowest average level of his second term ahead of the midterms.
- When
- The cited approval average was measured on September 25; the midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026.
- Where
- Across the United States.
- Why
- The decline is linked in the article to concerns about the economy, trade policy, immigration enforcement, and the ongoing war in Iran.
Trump Critics and Democratic Gains
Trump and Supporters
Approval and Election Outlook
Trump Critics and Democratic Gains
The reported approval figures show more Americans disapproving than approving of Trump, while generic congressional polls indicate Democrats are gaining ground.
Trump and Supporters
Trump is maintaining an active travel schedule and urging supporters to vote in the midterms, presenting the election as a defense of his policies.
Policy Record
Trump Critics and Democratic Gains
Criticism is associated in the article with concerns about the economy, the trade war, immigration enforcement, and the ongoing war in Iran.
Trump and Supporters
Trump's campaign is emphasizing strict border security, financial relief, and continuation of his policy agenda.
- FiftyPlusOne average
- 34.9% approval and 62.1% disapproval on September 25.
- Highest second-term approval
- 54% on January 22, 2025.
- The New York Times poll
- 37% approved and 61% disapproved on October 1, 2026.
- Rasmussen poll
- 44% approved and 55% disapproved on September 30, 2026.
- Election date
- November 3, 2026.
- Offices at stake
- All 435 House seats, one-third of Senate seats, and 36 governorships.