Trump Approval Hits Record Lows Ahead of 2026 Midterms

President Donald Trump has become the most unpopular U.S. president since 2009, with a net approval rating of -24 and some polls placing his support between 31% and 34%. This decline is driven by public frustration over the cost of living, inflation, and the war with Iran, which began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28. The conflict led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and a spike in gas prices, which reached $4.30 a gallon.

Internal friction has emerged within the Republican Party regarding the administration's establishment of a $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund. While the United States Department of Justice describes the fund as a way to compensate individuals victimized by the government, some GOP insiders view it as a slush fund for allies. This controversy, combined with the president's poor standing among Gen Z, Hispanic, and independent voters, has raised concerns about GOP job security in the November 2026 midterms.

Despite these challenges, Trump continues to influence the party by endorsing challengers over incumbents like Senators John Cornyn and Bill Cassidy. He also recently survived another assassination attempt during the White House correspondents' dinner, later suggesting that such attacks target the most impactful leaders. Current forecasting suggests a 90% probability that Democrats will win control of the House of Representatives, while the Senate remains a toss-up.