Donald Trump and GOP figures dismiss midterm polling as a “psyop”

Donald Trump and several prominent conservative figures are dismissing unfavorable midterm election polling as a “psyop” or “fake polls” designed to suppress Republican voter turnout.

Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, told Fox News that the polling is a psychological operation intended to depress conservative participation. Similarly, online influencer Phillip Buchanan, known as Catturd, characterized the polls as “laughable fake polls” to his followers on X. These claims follow a pattern of behavior from Donald Trump, who has dismissed negative polling numerous times, including calling them “demoralization operations” on Truth Social.

This rhetoric comes as recent data shows Democrats leading in several Senate races in states previously won by Trump, and Trump’s approval ratings reaching historic lows. While some Republican candidates and media figures push the narrative of election interference through polling, reports indicate that Republicans are increasing spending in races previously considered safe.