Trump’s Approval Rating Stays Near Record Low at 32% as US Midterm Elections Approach

US President Donald Trump's approval rating remains close to its lowest level since returning to the White House, with only 32% of Americans approving of his performance, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

The survey, conducted between October 29 and November 2, highlights the political challenges facing Trump and his Republican Party as voters prepare to elect members of Congress. His approval rating was unchanged from the previous week and remained just one percentage point above the record low of 31% recorded two weeks earlier.

The findings also indicate that economic concerns, particularly the rising cost of living and higher fuel prices, are influencing public sentiment towards the administration.

Democrats Maintain an Advantage in Congressional Voting Preferences

The Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 46% of registered voters preferred Democratic candidates in the congressional elections, compared with 38% who favoured Republicans. This gave Democrats an eight-percentage-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot.

Although the gap narrowed from the 11-point lead recorded in the previous week's survey, the figures indicate continued challenges for Republicans as they attempt to retain control of both chambers of Congress.

The generic ballot measures voters' overall preference for which party should control Congress. However, it does not directly predict the outcome because individual House and Senate races are influenced by local candidates, state-level political dynamics and constituency-specific issues.

Cost of Living Emerges as a Major Concern

Economic dissatisfaction remains a significant factor behind Trump's approval numbers. The survey found that 78% of respondents considered the rising cost of living either a very important or the most important issue when deciding how to vote.

When asked which party they trusted more to handle the cost-of-living issue, 43% selected Democrats, while 32% preferred Republicans.

The findings come as American households continue to face pressure from higher fuel prices and other everyday expenses. The ongoing conflict with Iran has contributed to energy-market disruptions, adding to concerns about inflation and the financial impact on consumers.

The administration's handling of the economy has therefore become an important issue in the final days of the midterm campaign.

Trump Remains a Significant Factor in Voters' Decisions

Although Trump is not personally contesting the November 3 election, his presidency remains closely connected to the congressional campaign.

According to the poll, half of independent registered voters said their congressional vote was primarily a vote against Trump. In comparison, 13% said their vote was intended to support him, while 33% said the President was not a factor in their decision.

The findings suggest that voters' opinions about Trump's leadership are influencing their choices in congressional races, even though the President's name does not appear on the ballot.

Democrats Report Higher Voting Enthusiasm

The survey also identified a difference in voting enthusiasm between supporters of the two parties. Around 49% of Democratic voters said they were very enthusiastic about voting in the midterms, compared with 33% of Republican voters.

Higher enthusiasm could influence turnout, particularly in closely contested constituencies where relatively small differences in participation can affect the final results.

Republicans are defending their majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Losing control of either chamber could make it more difficult for Trump to advance his legislative priorities during the remaining two years of his presidency.

What the Latest Poll Means Ahead of Election Day

The Reuters/Ipsos survey was conducted online among 1,765 US adults and carried a margin of error of approximately two percentage points.

While Trump's approval rating remains near its career low, the latest results show a slight narrowing of the Democratic advantage on the generic congressional ballot. The figures provide a snapshot of public opinion immediately before voting begins, rather than a prediction of the final election outcome.

With economic pressures, energy prices and the Iran conflict featuring prominently in the campaign, the midterm elections will offer an important indication of how voters assess the administration's performance.

The results will determine the balance of power in Congress and shape the political environment for the final two years of Trump's current presidential term.