Donald Trump approval rises slightly amid Republican midterm challenges

Recent polling indicates a complex shift in President Donald Trump’s public approval and the political outlook for the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Trump’s overall approval rating rose slightly to 35 percent, up from 33 percent in late August. However, 63 percent of Americans disapprove of his performance, including significant portions of both Republican and Democratic voters.

In a generic ballot poll, Democrats hold a 7-point lead over Republicans, with 44 percent favoring Democrats compared to 37 percent for Republicans. This gap represents the widest margin since Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025. Additionally, there is widespread skepticism regarding Trump’s convention proposal to provide a $5,000 dividend to all Americans if Republicans retain congressional control.

Data from Economist/YouGov highlights a specific decline among college-educated voters. Trump’s approval within this demographic fell from 34 percent in late August to 30 percent in early September, while disapproval rose to 69 percent. This trend is noted as potentially significant for Republican candidates, given the demographic's role in recent electoral shifts.