POLITICS

Trump Approval Lowest for Any President Pre-Midterms Since 1990: WSJ Poll

PUBLISHED Sep 26, 2026, 10:19 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 27

Left 26%

Center 59%

Right 15%

Sources: 27

According to a Wall Street Journal poll released ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, President Donald Trump has registered a 37 percent approval rating alongside a 61 percent disapproval rating. This figure represents the lowest pre-midterm approval recorded in the polling organization's historical data dating back to 1990. Analysts attribute the decline primarily to ongoing domestic economic strains, including persistent inflation and high fuel prices, compounded by public anxiety over ongoing military engagements involving Iran. In response to tightening pressure on Republican congressional candidates, the administration has pivoted toward defensive electoral strategies. These measures emphasize mobilization in traditional political strongholds such as Texas, Florida, Iowa, and Alaska, supported by targeted economic messaging and proposed voter verification initiatives designed to motivate the core base. Political observers note that these combined domestic and foreign policy headwinds present significant structural challenges for the governing party nationwide as voters prepare to cast ballots.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On January 1, 1990, Wall Street Journal polling database tracking presidential approval metrics commenced operations.
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump assumed office for his second presidential term nationwide.
On January 15, 2026, inflation metrics reported sustained household pressures across multiple economic sectors.
On February 10, 2026, fuel prices experienced notable surges impacting consumer transportation costs nationwide.
On March 5, 2026, prolonged military tensions involving Iran escalated within regional command zones.
On April 12, 2026, economic anxiety ratings increased among registered voters in national surveys.
On May 20, 2026, preliminary campaign strategies focused resources on core Republican base states.
On June 15, 2026, congressional leadership evaluated legislative priorities ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
On July 8, 2026, voter verification measures faced legal scrutiny in federal appellate courts.
On September 25, 2026, Wall Street Journal published the pre-midterm presidential approval poll results.
On November 3, 2026, voters will participate in the national midterm congressional elections.
On January 3, 2027, newly elected congressional members will be sworn into office.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Republican congressional candidates face intensified electoral pressure across competitive districts.
Possible long-term US impact: Economic policies and foreign conflicts will dictate future legislative alignments.
Most affected groups: Congressional candidates, suburban voters, and national campaign strategists.
Reader priority: Monitor mainstream wire services and verified polling methodologies closely.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 27
Right Leaning:: 4
Left Leaning:: 7
Neutral:: 16
Distribution:: Left 26%, Center 59%, Right 15%

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasize economic failure and voter dissatisfaction threatening the majority. Center: Report historical polling comparison and dual economic-foreign policy pressures objectively. Right: Highlight defensive base mobilization and external factors driving temporary headwinds.