Trump’s Approval Rating Hits New Low as Democrats Surge to Eight-Point Lead in Midterm Polls

• by Shimanta Das
• October 13, 2026

With control of Congress hanging in the balance, newly released surveys this week show President Trump’s approval rating near second-term lows, while Democratic voters are expressing significantly greater enthusiasm about voting in November. The findings, which come just weeks before the midterm elections, suggest a challenging environment for Republicans and a potential wave of Democratic momentum.

According to major polling averages, Trump remains deeply underwater with voters as the midterms approach. While individual surveys vary, the consensus is clear: the president’s approval rating has fallen significantly since the beginning of his term. The survey also found that likely voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of every major issue included in the poll, from the economy to foreign wars. Confidence in his handling of key issues such as the economy, foreign policy, and immigration is also lower than at the start of his term. This broad-based dissatisfaction could spell trouble for Republican candidates who have tied themselves closely to the president.

On the congressional ballot, Democrats hold an eight-point lead, according to the poll. The survey also found that Democrats are favored on several major issues, according to the newspaper. This advantage, combined with heightened Democratic enthusiasm, paints a grim picture for the GOP. Democratic voters reported significantly greater enthusiasm about voting in November, a critical factor that could translate into higher turnout on Election Day. In contrast, Republican voters appear less motivated, which could further erode the party’s chances of maintaining control of Congress.

The poll also highlighted specific demographic challenges for Trump. A February 2025 survey sampled 148 Hispanic Trump voters, with an effective sample size of 95 and a margin of error of +/- 10. This suggests that even within a key constituency that showed some support for Trump in the past, there may be softening. Additionally, the youngest adults who were eligible to vote in 2024 are currently 19 years old, a group that typically leans Democratic and could be a wild card in the upcoming elections. As the midterms draw near, these dynamics underscore the uphill battle Republicans face in retaining their congressional majorities.