{
  "id": 15488097,
  "title": "Trump's approval is just 33% — but these 3 other poll numbers may worry Republicans more",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/trumps-approval-is-just-33-but-these-3-other-poll-numbers-may-worry",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-18T20:33:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/trumps-approval-is-just-33-but-these-3-other-poll-numbers-may-worry-republicans-more-11792354055055.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Donald Trump's approval rating has plummeted to a record low of 33%, according to a recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll. This disapproval extends to 66% of Americans who disapprove of his job performance. However, the poll reveals three other factors that could trouble Republicans ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.\n\nFirstly, there is widespread dissatisfaction with the cost of living. A staggering three-quarters of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of inflation and the cost of living. Additionally, 48% of respondents said they were financially worse off than when Trump took office in 2025. The poll attributes the surge in gasoline prices to the war with Iran, with 71% of respondents now viewing fuel as unaffordable.\n\nSecondly, Democrats hold an eight-point lead over Republicans in the poll's congressional preferences. Democrats are the preferred party to control the House of Representatives by 8%, with 58% of registered voters opting for Democrats. Furthermore, Democrats are perceived as more trustworthy on the economy, leading Republicans by 40% to 33%. These findings suggest that the Republican Party's image is under scrutiny.\n\nLastly, Trump's foreign policy, particularly the war with Iran, is facing negative public opinion. A significant 65% of respondents consider military action against Iran to be a mistake, while 68% disapprove of Trump's handling of the situation with US allies. The poll also highlights broader concerns about Trump's conduct, with 72% of respondents believing the country is heading in the wrong direction. Additionally, 66% of voters view Trump as using the presidency to enrich himself, and 55% consider the Republican Party to be too extreme. These findings paint a concerning picture of the Republican Party's standing in the eyes of the American public as the midterm elections approach.",
  "summary": "The poll found that Trump's approval rating had declined from 37% in the outlets' April and July surveys. More than half of respondents, or 52%, said they strongly disapproved of his performance.",
  "key_points": [
    "33% approval rating for Trump, with 66% disapproving of his job performance",
    "75% disapprove of Trump's handling of inflation and cost of living",
    "Democrats lead Republicans by 8% in congressional preferences"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}