Voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of gas prices, the cost of living, the economy and the Iran war
An October New York Times/Siena College survey of approximately 3,494 likely voters found Donald Trump’s approval rating at 36% two weeks before the midterm elections, the lowest result recorded by the poll. Fifty-nine percent disapproved of Trump’s handling of his job, while 52% said they planned to vote for the Democratic candidate in the upcoming election. The approval rating had fallen two percentage points between September and October.
The poll associated much of the broader disapproval with Trump’s handling of economic and cost-of-living-related issues. Among registered voters, 73% disapproved of his handling of gas prices, 69% disapproved of his handling of the cost of living and 64% disapproved of his handling of the economy.
Approximately 65% of respondents said they disapproved of Trump’s handling of the Iran war. The Guardian said the Iran war had dragged on for nearly eight months and pushed gas and oil prices up.
The Guardian reported that, as of October 21, gas prices were more than $4.25 a gallon, inflation had increased to 3.7% in the previous month and the president’s war with Iran remained steady. In 2024, Trump had promised to lower everyday costs for Americans, keep inflation low and keep the US from starting more wars abroad.
A photograph published with The Guardian’s report showed Melania and Donald Trump walking through the Rose Garden of the White House on Monday to sign an executive order. The photograph was credited to Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images.
The Guardian described Republicans’ task as an uphill battle to defeat Democrats in the upcoming midterms and maintain their majority control in Congress. Trump had been on the road campaigning for Maga-aligned candidates, and the report said his name recognition had largely helped Republican candidates in past elections. Some candidates had sought to distance themselves from Trump. The Guardian said the president had become increasingly unpopular over his economic policies.
Democratic candidates responded by seizing on cost-of-living issues to appeal to independents and undecided voters. They promised to rein in Trump’s policies that had pushed costs up, such as tariffs.
The New York Times/Siena College polling indicated that Democrats held the upper hand heading into next month’s election. Even so, the party was still fighting against a massive financial war chest in competitive races in Texas, Ohio, New York, Alaska and Iowa.
The Guardian said it had asked the White House for comment.