Trump's approval rating drops, more voters say he's hurt the economy: new poll
PUBLISHED Sep 20, 2026, 12:58 PM ET
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A recent nationwide poll indicates that public approval for President Donald Trump has fallen significantly, driven by mounting voter dissatisfaction with economic conditions ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Overall job approval stands at 41 percent, while disapproval has climbed to 56 percent, according to the survey findings. A majority of respondents, approximately 55 percent, assert that administration policies have negatively impacted the national economy, eroding a traditional political advantage previously held by the Republican Party on fiscal matters. On the congressional generic ballot, Democratic candidates hold a five-point lead over Republicans, with 50 percent of voters favoring Democrats compared to 45 percent supporting Republicans. Furthermore, 43 percent of surveyed voters indicate their congressional ballot is intended to express opposition to the president, contrasted with 27 percent seeking to show support. Analysts note that these shifting voter sentiments present substantial challenges for incumbent lawmakers defending competitive congressional seats nationwide.
By Haya | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- On January 20 2017, Donald Trump assumed office as the forty-fifth United States president.
- On November 6 2018, Democrats won control of the House during midterm elections.
- On January 20 2025, Donald Trump returned to office as the president.
- On August 14 2025, Pew Research published baseline second term job approval metrics.
- On April 25 2026, AP reported slumping economic approval ratings amid rising prices.
- On May 11 2026, PBS News detailed widespread voter discontent over inflation impacts.
- On August 2 2026, AP analyzed shifting public opinion metrics on key administration policies.
- On September 13 2026, CBS News released battleground tracker poll data on Congress.
- On September 21 2026, recent polling revealed falling approval ratings and economic concerns.
- On November 3 2026 In November 2026, voters will decide control of Congress during midterms.
News Intelligence
- Immediate US impact: Intensified legislative battles across competitive congressional districts nationwide.
- Possible long-term US impact: Shifted congressional control altering presidential policy implementation capabilities significantly.
- Most affected groups: Vulnerable congressional incumbents, campaign strategists, and national political party organizations.
- Reader priority: Track validated polling data and verified candidate economic policy positions.
- Articles Published:
- 52
- Right Leaning:
- 4
- Left Leaning:
- 6
- Neutral:
- 42
- Distribution:
- Left 12%, Center 81%, Right 8%
Left: Emphasizes declining economic metrics and voter dissatisfaction with administration policies. Center: Reports statistical polling data neutrally without favoring specific political interpretations. Right: Highlights competitive dynamics and voter motivations across key legislative battleground states.
National poll released detailing declining economic perception and voter approval metrics. https://apnews.com/article/trump-approval-economy-poll-midterms-2026-09-21/
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Rising gas prices frustrate voters as Trump defends administration policy
Los Angeles Times Politico Washington Post New York Times San Francisco Chronicle The OregonianFrom Center
Voters express economic concerns as presidential job approval declines
Associated Press Reuters PBS News CBS News Time The Hill USA Today Bloomberg Axios Newsweek National Public Radio Financial Times Chicago Tribune Dallas Morning News Miami Herald Seattle Times Houston Chronicle Detroit Free Press Arizona Republic Star Tribune Cleveland Plain Dealer St. Louis Post-Dispatch Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Baltimore Sun The Sacramento Bee The Des Moines Register Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The Kansas City Star The Indianapolis Star Columbus Dispatch The Charlotte Observer Austin American-Statesman The Tennessean The Courier-Journal Richmond Times-Dispatch Omaha World-Herald The Providence Journal Hartford Courant The Clarion-Ledger Tulsa World Albuquerque Journal The GazetteFrom Right
Voters express fiscal concerns as generic ballot tightens ahead of midterms
Wall Street Journal Daily Mail The Oklahoman Las Vegas Review-Journal
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