Trump approval hits record-low 31% as midterms near

· Politics · United States

US President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to a record low of 31%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, with Democrats leading by 12 points in generic congressional ballot surveys. About 50% of female voters said they would vote Democratic versus 32% for Republicans. Trump is staging a rally blitz testing his pull with midterm voters, while Elon Musk's $178 million in donations helped two Republican super PACs raise $367 million in the third quarter. Separately, Trump's shifting posture toward Russia has caused confusion, with Representative Nicole Malliotakis saying he is focused on lowering diesel prices and believes increased Russian diesel exports are key. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Washington is letting sanctioned "dark fleet" tankers sell oil and ship crude legitimately.

Why it matters：A US president this unpopular two weeks before midterms points to possible shifts in congressional power that would constrain his foreign and economic agenda.

Key points

  • Democrats lead the generic congressional ballot by 12 points
  • Musk's donations powered Republican super PACs to a $367 million quarterly haul
  • Trump's Russia shift is aimed at easing diesel prices, an ally said

Sources (original reporting)

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