Trump approval rating at 37% ahead of US midterms as economy and Iran disapproval rises

Ahead of the November midterm elections, a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll shows US President Donald Trumps approval has stayed low. Overall approval stands at 37 per cent, while disapproval has risen to 62 per cent. The poll also reports broad frustration with economic issues and doubts about both parties on key national problems.

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Economic ratings for Trump have weakened as the Iran war and higher fuel costs shape public views. Americans disapprove of his handling of the situation with Iran by 66 per cent to 33 per cent. Approval on the economy has dropped seven points to 34 per cent. Approval on inflation has slipped five points to 27 per cent.

Donald Trumps approval ratings and economic issues

The lowest score in the poll comes on the general cost of living. Only 23 per cent approve, while 76 per cent disapprove. Overall, 66 per cent of Americans do not appreciate his handling of economic issues. The Washington Post said the 37 per cent approval is close to 39 per cent in February.

Views differ sharply across political groups. Trump records 85 per cent approval among Republicans. Among Republican-leaning independents, approval has fallen to a new low of 56 per cent. Across independents overall, his approval is 25 per cent. The figures suggest challenges in expanding support beyond the party base.

Donald Trumps approval ratings and immigration trust

On immigration at the US-Mexico border, Trump posts his strongest issue rating in the poll. About 45 per cent approve of his approach, while 54 per cent disapprove. Even so, many respondents still reject both parties on major topics. On immigration, 23 per cent say they trust neither party to act well.

Party trust remains mixed across other areas. On the economy, 27 per cent say they trust neither political party. On crime, 28 per cent express the same view, and 33 per cent say it on inflation. A slight majority, 51 per cent, trusts neither Republicans nor Democrats to handle artificial intelligence.

Donald Trumps approval ratings and party advantage on crime and health care

The poll indicates different strengths for each party on specific issues. Republicans keep a clear advantage on trust to handle crime. Democrats are seen as more reliable on health care, education, and the cost of living. On the economy, views are close, with 34 per cent trusting Republicans and 33 per cent trusting Democrats.

The narrow split on the economy marks a change from earlier elections. When the same question was asked before the 2022 midterm elections, Republicans held a double-digit lead on economic trust, according to the Washington Post. The latest findings show that edge has faded, as more people choose neither side or rate both equally.

Donald Trumps approval ratings and the House election outlook

Among registered voters, Democrats lead by five points on which party people favour in House elections. That is higher than the two-point advantage measured in February and October. The lead widens among those most committed to taking part. Among voters absolutely certain to vote, Democrats are ahead by nine points.

Turnout interest also differs between the parties in the poll. Democrats are more likely to say voting this fall matters more than past midterms, at 73 per cent. The figure for Republicans is 52 per cent. In 2022, the parties were closer, with 72 per cent among Republicans versus 68 per cent of Democrats.

The enthusiasm gap links to divisions within Trumps support base. Among Republicans who identify as MAGA Make America Great Again, 77 per cent say they are absolutely certain to vote. Among non-MAGA Republicans, the share is 59 per cent. The poll also finds 79 per cent of self-identified Democrats are absolutely certain to vote.

With inputs from PTI