Trump approval rating plunges to record low as Republican candidates ‘panic’ ahead of midterm election

October 20, 2026

US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level ever, while support for Democrats ahead of November’s midterm elections is rising, according to a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll published on 19 October.

According to the poll, Trump’s approval rating among US adults has fallen to just 33 percent, eight percentage points lower than this time last year.

At the same time, 66 percent disapprove of Trump’s performance as president and 52 percent disapprove strongly.

Among likely voters, Trump’s rating improves somewhat, with 38 percent approving and 62 percent disapproving.

Trump’s rating is crucial, as it provides a proxy for the performance of his Republican Party in the midterm elections, which will determine control of the Congress.

Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in Congress but are likely to lose it next month.

Democrats currently hold an eight-point lead over Republicans among registered and likely voters.

When asked whether they would rather have a Democratic-led Congress restraining Trump or a Republican one supporting his agenda, 58 percent of registered voters said they prefer the Democrats, while 39 percent opposed them.

The poll shows that US voters have “lost faith in the president,” are “deeply worried” about Trump’s decision to wage war on Iran alongside Israel, and are feeling the economic effects of the war, especially the price of gasoline, the Washington Post noted.

Overall, 72 percent say the country is heading in the wrong direction, up five points since April, shortly after the war began.

Trump’s economic approval rating has fallen to 28 percent, while roughly 75 percent of respondents disapprove of Trump’s handling of inflation and the cost of living crisis.

You want to understand the midterms in one graph? Here it is in a new @Gallup poll.

In a stunning turnaround, a majority (51%) of Americans now say that Democrats are the political party to do a better job of keeping the country prosperous.

Right before the 2024 elections the… pic.twitter.com/pEutBs0H70

— John Anzalone (@JohnAnzo) October 13, 2026

Before the war, which disrupted energy exports from the Strait of Hormuz, 71 percent said gasoline was affordable. Today, 71 percent say gasoline is not affordable.

The price of groceries, health care, and home energy is also a major concern.

Regarding the Iran war specifically, 65 percent said it was a mistake to take military action.

Meanwhile, an NBC News Decision Desk poll also highlighted the financial worries of US voters. It showed that just 18 percent say their financial situation is better off today than it was last year, while 44 percent say it is worse now.

Regarding gas prices, the poll found that 67 percent say the higher costs resulting from the war on Iran are “very serious” or “somewhat serious.” In contrast, 33 percent say the price hike is “not too serious of a problem” or “not a problem at all.”

According to data from Decision Desk HQ, an election reporting firm, there is a 77-percent probability that Democrats win back Congress and a 56-percent probability they can take control of the Senate.

What Trump’s war on Iran has gotten him:

Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, an all-time low for him and lower than at any point during his first term (Washington Post-ABC News-IPSOS poll).

66% disapprove of his handling of the economy, including 52% strongly who… https://t.co/ZpCFAzyFS6 pic.twitter.com/8pduxnPOdX

— Afshin Rattansi (@afshinrattansi) October 19, 2026

As a result, “Republicans are already starting to blame each other as the midterm election spirals further out of their control,” according to POLITICO.

If Republicans lose Congress, “there will be plenty of blame to go around,” said Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, who is running for re-election.

However, a growing group of Republicans argues that Trump is to blame due to his decisions on Iran, gas prices, and tariffs.

“If the Democrats do win the House and the Senate, it won’t be because of their left-wing lunatic candidates, it’ll be because people are pissed off about gas prices, and I get that,” stated Senator Bernie Moreno, a Republican Senator from Ohio.

“I’ve talked to some who are making these decisions: The biggest problem is the president’s polling numbers and unfavorables,” Republican Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska recently told POLITICO.