Donald Trump's approval hits historic lows ahead of US midterms

Multiple recent polls show President Donald Trump's net approval rating plunging to record lows for a second‑term president. The Washington Post and CNBC reported double‑digit negative net scores, averaging around –22 points, the worst since 2000. Trump's overall approval sits near 36‑37 %, while disapproval exceeds 58‑61 %. Independent voters are the most critical group, with net ratings as low as –45, surpassing the historical low held by Richard Nixon. The decline coincides with the ongoing war with Iran, rising gasoline prices (projected $4 + per gallon), and broader cost‑of‑living pressures that have made groceries unaffordable for many Americans.

The political fallout is evident in swing states, where Trump now trails in all key battlegrounds, raising concerns for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. In addition to approval woes, the Department of Justice under Trump has accelerated federal death‑penalty cases, filing at least 42 new capital prosecutions in just over a year and a half, a higher count than during his first term. The prosecutions disproportionately affect people of color, accounting for 73 % of defendants. Together, the approval collapse and the aggressive legal agenda underscore mounting challenges for the administration as it heads into a crucial electoral cycle.