President Trump headlines rallies ahead of midterms
President Donald Trump touted his power in his second go around in the White House Saturday while rallying in Kentucky to bolster Republican turnout as his party struggles in the midterms. Meanwhile, Rallies organized by the “No Kings” network opposed to President Donald Trump were held Saturday in cities and communities across the U.S., with an aim of getting people out to vote early in the midterm elections.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating is at a record low two weeks ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm election that will decide who controls Congress, a new poll found.
The Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll, conducted Oct. 9-13, also found that for the first time in over 10 years, Americans trust Democrats more than Republicans on the economy.
Trump’s latest approval rating
By the numbers:
According to the poll, 33% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, while 66% disapprove. Of those, 52% said they strongly disapprove. Trump’s approval rating is four percentage points down from July and eight points down from a year ago. Among likely voters, 38% approve of Trump, while 62% disapprove.
When it comes to the economy, Trump’s approval is at 28%, down from 33% in July and 41% in February. Roughly 3 in 4 Americans said they disapprove of how Trump has managed inflation and the cost of living.
RELATED: Americans think Trump prioritizes his wealth more than helping US, poll finds
What’s at stake?
Dig deeper:
With control of both chambers of Congress on the line, and with it the prospects of Democratic-led investigations into his administration should they win, Trump has put himself at the forefront for voters, asking them to “pretend that I’m on the ballot.” Republicans, however, privately worry that growing disapproval of his administration is a liability, according to The Associated Press.
President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn as he departs the White House on October 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Getty Images)
According to The Washington Post, presidential approval ratings are among the most important factors in midterm elections. If history is any indicator, Republicans are more likely to lose seats in what’s already a very narrow House majority. They’re also more likely to lose control of the chamber.
RELATED: New poll says a bipartisan majority of Americans blame Trump for rising costs
Who’s leading in the House?
Democrats have an eight-point advantage for controlling the House after the midterms, according to the latest poll. That’s five points higher than in July.
Who’s leading in the Senate?
Multiple polls say Democrats have a real shot at taking back the Senate in the midterms, but it’s a bigger battle than in the House.
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the US Senate, which means Democrats will need to flip at least two seats in states where Trump won by double digits in 2024, along with holding their seats in Georgia and Michigan, Reuters reports.
Why you should care:
If Democrats gain control of the Senate, it would be the first time Trump has faced a Democratic majority in the upper chamber. That would give them the power to block Trump’s nominees and subpoena witnesses in potential investigations into Trump.
The Source: This article includes information from the latest Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll, The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Reuters and previous FOX Local reporting.
