Inflation fears, Iran conflict and economic strain fuel sharp erosion in public confidence ahead of 2026 congressional showdown
WASHINGTON, May 28 (The CONNECT) — US President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are sliding across multiple major US polls, signalling mounting political turbulence for the president less than six months before the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump is facing some of the weakest numbers of his second presidency, with voter dissatisfaction deepening over the economy, inflation and the administration’s handling of escalating tensions with Iran, a series of surveys released over the past two weeks by major American media organisations and polling firms show.
The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump’s approval rating falling to 35%, near the lowest point of his current term. The survey, conducted through May 18, also showed weakening support among Republicans themselves, with approval inside the party slipping from 91% earlier in the year to 79%. Reuters reported that rising fuel prices and economic anxiety were major drivers behind the decline.
An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll published earlier this month painted an even darker picture for the White House. The survey placed Trump’s approval rating at 37%, while disapproval climbed to 62% — the highest level recorded across both of Trump’s presidencies, according to the poll analysis.
The Economist’s rolling approval tracker similarly shows Trump locked in sustained net-negative territory, with disapproval consistently outpacing approval as economic concerns dominate public sentiment.
New polling also suggests Trump may be losing ground with key voter blocs that helped power his 2024 comeback. A UnidosUS survey released this week found two-thirds of Latino voters disapprove of Trump’s performance, while one in four Latino voters who backed him in 2024 now say they would not do so again.
The political fallout is becoming increasingly visible ahead of the midterms. Analysts say voters appear frustrated by inflation, surging gasoline prices and growing fears of a wider Middle East conflict following US military action against Iran.
Pew Research Center reported this month that Trump’s national approval rating had dropped to 34%, describing it as the lowest level of his second term so far. The survey also found declining confidence in Trump’s leadership traits and economic stewardship.
Despite the worsening national numbers, Trump continues to dominate Republican primary politics. His endorsed candidates have swept dozens of GOP contests in 2026, underscoring his continued grip over the Republican base even as broader public support erodes.
The widening disconnect between Trump’s strength inside the Republican Party and his declining standing nationally is now shaping the early battle lines for the 2026 congressional elections.
