WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump’s approval rating remained near its lowest level on record, with rising living costs and voter dissatisfaction weighing on his standing following major Republican losses in the November 3 midterm elections, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The poll, completed on Monday, found that 32% of Americans approved of Trump’s performance, unchanged from previous surveys conducted in late October and early November. The figure was just one percentage point above his career low of 31%, recorded in mid-October.
Trump’s approval rating has dropped 15 percentage points since he returned to the White House in January 2025, when it stood at 47%, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling.
The latest findings follow a sweeping Republican defeat in the midterm elections, in which Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress. Democratic candidates also made gains in traditionally Republican strongholds, including Kansas, South Carolina and Texas.
The election results reflected growing voter dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the economy and the war with Iran, which began in February and contributed to higher fuel prices and pressure on household budgets.
Economic concerns weigh on Trump’s approval
Only 21% of Americans approved of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while 25% supported his broader economic policies, according to the poll.
The economic concerns also affected Republican candidates across the country. Reuters’ election analysis found that Republicans lost ground in 99% of approximately 2,100 counties where most votes had been counted by the morning after the election.
The findings indicated that voter dissatisfaction extended across urban, suburban, wealthier and lower-income areas.
Democratic control of Congress is expected to increase pressure on Trump’s administration during the remaining two years of his presidency, with lawmakers preparing to challenge his policies and intensify scrutiny of the government.
Immigration remains Trump’s stronger policy area
Immigration continues to be a relatively stronger issue for Trump, with 38% of Americans approving of his handling of the policy, compared with his lower ratings on economic issues