Trump's approval hits record low before midterms

Stuck at a record low

President Donald Trump's approval rating remained at a record-low 32 per cent in a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday, about four weeks before the November midterm elections. The result is unchanged from the previous survey and adds to pressure on Republicans defending their congressional majorities.

Democrats lead the ballot

Among registered voters, 44 per cent said they would back Democrats while 37 per cent preferred Republicans. Independents leaned heavily toward Democratic candidates, 37 per cent to 21 per cent. Support among Hispanic voters, a key bloc in Trump's 2024 victory, has slipped sharply: only 24 per cent approve of his job performance, partly because of mass deportation operations.

Warning signs inside the GOP

An earlier Reuters/Ipsos reading showed Republican approval of Trump falling from 82 per cent to 73 per cent in a single week. A Wall Street Journal poll in late September put his rating at 37 per cent, the lowest for any president shortly before a midterm in that outlet's polling going back to George H.W. Bush.

Economy and Iran war weigh

Analysts link the slide to doubts over the economy and the ongoing war with Iran. With early November approaching, party strategists are racing to energise their base and limit potential losses. Several recent surveys now place his approval below 40 per cent, driven by slipping Republican support and souring views on the economy. Democrats hope to turn that discontent into gains in Congress. The poll arrives as Republicans push to ramp up support for their candidates.