Trump’s approval falls to record‑low 31 percent, Republicans trail in voter preferences

President Donald Trump’s job rating has slipped to 31 percent, the lowest level recorded in his political career, according to a new Reuters‑Ipsos poll released in October 2026. The same survey shows the Republican Party at a clear disadvantage: when asked whether they would prefer a generic, unnamed Democrat or Republican, respondents favored Democrats by a margin of 12 points.

Disapproval of Trump has risen steadily in recent months, a trend that accelerated after the February 28 launch of the U.S.–Israel war on Iran. The conflict has pushed up gasoline and diesel prices, creating broader economic strain.

Several recent polls highlight the challenges facing Trump and his party as the November 3 midterm elections approach, elections that could decide control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. An NBC poll published on Sunday found that 71 percent of Americans believe the country is on the “wrong track,” and 55 percent said they would vote for the Democratic Party if a vote were held that day.

A Washington Post‑ABC‑Ipsos poll released on Monday reported a record‑low Trump approval rating of 33 percent and noted that seven out of ten respondents consider fuel costs to be becoming unaffordable.

The article includes a photograph of President Trump speaking to the media on October 19, 2026, before boarding Marine One on the White House South Lawn.