Donald Trump sees approval slump to 36% ahead of midterm elections

Donald Trump's public support has fallen to a new low of 36% just a fortnight ahead of the US midterm elections, according to a recent survey conducted by the New York Times and Siena College.

The poll, which surveyed roughly 3,494 likely voters in October, revealed that 59% of respondents disapprove of the president's job performance. In contrast, 52% indicated they intend to back Democratic candidates in the forthcoming congressional races, highlighting significant headwinds for the Republican Party as it attempts to defend its legislative majorities.

Public dissatisfaction is heavily concentrated on economic conditions and foreign policy. Nearly three-quarters of registered voters, 73%, expressed disapproval regarding fuel costs, while 69% disapproved of the president's management of living expenses. General handling of the economy drew disapproval from 64% of participants.

Foreign affairs have also weighed on the administration's standing. About 65% of respondents stated they disapprove of Trump's conduct regarding the conflict in Iran, which has continued for close to eight months. The prolonged hostilities have contributed directly to rising oil and petrol prices nationwide.

The findings contrast sharply with campaign pledges made by Trump in 2024, when he vowed to curb daily expenses, rein in inflation, and avoid entangling the nation in overseas conflicts. Recent economic data underscores voter anxiety, with petrol surpassing $4.25 per gallon as of late October and inflation climbing to 3.7% in the previous month.

Over the past month alone, Trump's standing slipped by two percentage points in the Times/Siena survey. While the former president has actively hit the campaign trail for political allies aligned with his movement, several Republican candidates have begun distancing themselves amid public pushback against White House economic policies.

Democratic contenders have focused their campaigns on household financial pressures, pitching themselves to uncommitted and independent voters by pledging to roll back policies, such as tariffs, that have elevated consumer prices. Despite the favourable polling numbers, Democrats still confront heavily funded Republican campaigns in critical battlegrounds across states including Texas, Ohio, New York, Alaska, and Iowa.