Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Trump Approval Falls as Inflation, Iran War Shape Midterms
A new poll says fewer Americans approve of President Donald Trump’s work.
The Marquette poll found that 37% approved and 63% disapproved.
Other polls also found that more people disapproved than approved.
Many voters are worried about prices for groceries, gasoline, and other everyday needs.
Some voters also dislike the administration’s handling of military action involving Iran.
Support has weakened among independent voters and some very conservative voters.
Republicans hope issues such as immigration and border security will motivate their supporters.
Democrats hope concerns about prices and foreign policy will help them in the midterm elections.
A Marquette Law School poll found 37% approved of Trump’s performance, while 63% disapproved.
Trump’s approval among very conservative voters fell from 84% in July to 76% in September.
Other surveys reported approval levels of 39% from Fox News and 35% from Reuters/Ipsos.
Inflation and the cost of living were the top concerns for 37% of Marquette respondents.
Republicans face concerns about turnout and independent voters as control of Congress becomes contested in the midterms.
- Who
- President Donald Trump, Republican candidates, Democratic candidates, independent voters, and Republican voters.
- What
- Trump’s approval rating has declined, creating possible challenges for Republicans in the midterm elections.
- When
- The Marquette poll was conducted from September 2 to 9; the report said 45 days remained before the midterm elections.
- Where
- The polling was conducted nationally in the United States, with additional state-level analysis based on YouGov data.
- Why
- Inflation, cost-of-living concerns, and dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict are weighing on voters’ views.
Democratic argument
Republican and administration argument
Main campaign issues
Democratic argument
Democrats want to focus on inflation, gasoline prices, and the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict.
Republican and administration argument
Republicans want to emphasize immigration, border security, crime, and national security.
Meaning of low approval
Democratic argument
Democrats argue that Trump’s weak approval creates opportunities in states and races that are normally less competitive for them.
Republican and administration argument
Republicans and the White House argue that Trump’s record and ability to energize his base can offset unfavorable overall polling.
Effect on elections
Democratic argument
Democrats hope dissatisfaction with Trump becomes a broader judgment on the Republican Party and improves their turnout.
Republican and administration argument
Republican-aligned analysts caution that disapproval does not automatically mean voters will support Democrats, while Trump’s loyal supporters may still turn out.
- Marquette approval
- 37% approved; 63% disapproved.
- Marquette net approval
- Minus 26, Trump’s weakest result of his second term in Marquette polling.
- Poll sample
- 1,023 adults nationwide.
- Very conservative voters
- Approval fell from 84% in July to 76% in September.
- Independent voters
- Approval fell from 29% to 26% in an August I&I/TIPP survey.
- Top voter concern
- Inflation and the cost of living, cited by 37% of Marquette respondents.
- Other approval polls
- Fox News reported 39% approval, while Reuters/Ipsos reported 35%.