CNN: Trump Hits Record Low Approval in Multiple Polls Ahead of Midterms

President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have fallen to record lows across several major national polls, according to CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten. The latest Reuters/Ipsos survey shows a net approval rating of minus 35 percentage points, just two weeks before the November 3 congressional elections.

Enten highlighted the findings during a CNN broadcast, noting that the decline extends across several independent polling organizations, including Reuters/Ipsos, NBC, ABC and Pew Research Center.

The results reflect growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s presidency as voters prepare to elect a new Congress.

Reuters/Ipsos: 31% Approve, 66% Disapprove

The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted October 16–19, found that only 31% of American adults approve of Trump’s performance as president, while 66% disapprove.

That produces a net approval rating of –35 percentage points, the lowest recorded for Trump in the Reuters/Ipsos polling series.

Among independent voters, the picture is even more negative. According to Enten’s CNN analysis, Trump’s net approval among independents is 54 points below zero.

Independent voters are an important group in competitive congressional elections, particularly in districts where neither party has a decisive advantage.

Multiple Polls Show Record Lows

The Reuters/Ipsos findings are not isolated.

In a separate CNN analysis earlier in October, Enten presented several surveys showing Trump’s net approval ratings ranging from approximately –33 to –38 points.

He highlighted results from Reuters/Ipsos, CNN, AP-NORC and Pew Research Center.

In the most recent broadcast, Enten also pointed to record lows in polling series conducted by NBC, ABC, Ipsos and Pew.

The repeated negative findings across different polling organizations suggest that the decline is not limited to the methodology or sample of a single survey.

Enten has described Trump’s standing as historically unusual for a president approaching midterm elections.

Democrats Lead in Congressional Voting Preferences

The latest Reuters/Ipsos survey also asked registered voters which party they would support in congressional elections.

The results showed:

• 47% supporting Democratic candidates.
• 35% supporting Republican candidates.
• A 12-point Democratic lead nationally.

The figures reflect responses to a generic congressional ballot question rather than polling in individual congressional districts.

The survey included 1,679 adults, including 1,279 registered voters, and carried an approximate margin of error of two percentage points for the overall adult sample and three points for registered voters.

Economic Concerns and the Iran War

Economic dissatisfaction remains a major factor in Trump’s declining approval ratings.

The Reuters/Ipsos survey found that only 33% of Americans approved of his handling of the economy.

Rising gasoline prices, inflation and the economic consequences of the ongoing war involving the United States and Iran have placed additional pressure on household budgets.

The conflict, launched by the United States and Israel in February, has disrupted energy markets and contributed to higher fuel costs.

For many voters, the cost of living remains a central concern ahead of the congressional elections.

Why the November Elections Matter

Americans will vote on November 3 to elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives and a portion of the U.S. Senate.

Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress.

The elections will determine whether they retain those majorities or whether Democrats gain control of one or both chambers.

A change in congressional control could significantly affect the administration’s legislative agenda, federal spending decisions and congressional oversight.

However, national approval ratings and generic ballot surveys do not determine the outcome of individual races. Candidate quality, turnout and local political conditions also matter.

Early Voting Begins in New Jersey on October 24

New Jersey voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots early from October 24 through November 1.

Early voting locations will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polling places open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

As the campaign enters its final two weeks, the latest polls offer a snapshot of national public opinion. The election results will ultimately depend on voters who participate in individual state and congressional races.

Sources: Reuters | Ipsos | CNN analysis via RealClearPolitics | NJ Division of Elections

By NJ RADAR Team