Trump Approval Rating Hits Record Low as Democrats Extend Lead Ahead of US Midterms

US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level across both of his presidential terms, while Democrats have widened their lead over Republicans ahead of the November 3 congressional elections, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday.

The four-day survey found that 31 per cent of Americans approved of Trump’s performance in office, down one percentage point from a poll conducted two weeks earlier. Rising gasoline prices and concerns about the economy appear to be weighing on public support for the president and his Republican Party.

When registered voters were asked which party they would support if congressional elections were held immediately, 47 per cent chose Democrats, compared with 35 per cent who favoured Republicans. The 12-point Democratic advantage was the widest recorded during the current election cycle.

The result marked a significant shift from the previous Reuters/Ipsos poll, which showed Democrats leading Republicans by seven percentage points, with 44 per cent support against 37 per cent for the Republicans.

The widening gap could strengthen Democratic hopes of taking control of the US House of Representatives and Senate. A loss of either chamber would make it more difficult for Trump to advance his legislative agenda during the final two years of his term.

However, national polling does not necessarily predict the outcome of individual races. Control of Congress depends on contests across states and congressional districts, where Republicans retain certain structural advantages.

The latest survey indicated that women were a major factor behind the increased support for Democratic congressional candidates. Among female voters, 50 per cent said they would vote for Democrats, while 32 per cent favoured Republicans. Men also leaned towards Democrats, although the difference between the parties was smaller.

Trump’s approval ratings have faced pressure since he ordered military strikes against Iran in February alongside US ally Israel. The conflict triggered a surge in gasoline prices, adding to the financial strain on American households.

Economic concerns were prominent in the poll. Some 68 per cent of respondents disapproved of Trump’s handling of the economy, including 37 per cent of people who identified themselves as Republicans.

When asked which party would manage the economy better, voters favoured Democrats by 40 per cent to 33 per cent. The findings suggest that dissatisfaction with economic conditions could become an important factor in the congressional elections.

The online survey collected responses from 1,679 US adults, including 1,279 registered voters. The margin of error was two percentage points for all respondents and three percentage points for registered voters.

The poll offers a snapshot of national sentiment ahead of the November vote, although turnout, local issues and individual candidates could influence the results in closely contested races.