Washington — US President Donald Trump has suffered a major political setback ahead of the November 3 congressional midterm elections, with his approval rating falling to a record low of 31%, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll published on October 20.
Democrats open a 12-point lead
According to the poll, 47% of registered voters said they would support Democratic candidates if congressional elections were held today, compared with 35% who favored Republicans. The 12-point gap marks the Democrats’ largest advantage in the current election cycle, Reuters reported.
The results could strengthen Democratic hopes of winning control of the House of Representatives or the Senate. Such a shift would make it more difficult for Trump to advance his legislative agenda during the remaining two years of his presidency.
However, national polling does not determine the outcome of individual congressional races, particularly Senate contests, where results depend on state-by-state voting.
Economy and petrol prices fuel public anger
Economic concerns appear to be a major factor behind the president’s declining approval. The Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 68% of Americans disapproved of Trump’s handling of the economy, including 37% of respondents who identified as Republicans.
The poll also found that Democrats were more trusted than Republicans to manage the economy, leading 40% to 33%.
Rising petrol prices have added pressure on households already concerned about the cost of living. The Iran war, which followed US and Israeli military action against Iran, has contributed to concerns over energy supplies and fuel costs, according to reporting on the survey.
Women voters favor Democrats
The gender gap is another important finding. Among women, 50% said they would support Democrats in congressional elections, compared with 32% who favored Republicans—a substantial 18-point advantage for the opposition party. Men also leaned towards Democrats, although by a smaller margin.
The findings suggest women voters could play an important role in determining Congress’s balance of power, particularly in closely contested districts.
What the poll means for Trump
The poll surveyed 1,679 US adults online, including 1,279 registered voters. Its margin of error was approximately two percentage points for all adults and three points for registered voters. The results reflect public opinion at the time of the survey, rather than a prediction of the final election outcome.
With Election Day approaching, the findings present a warning sign for the Republican Party. Trump’s popularity, economic concerns, and public attitudes toward the Iran war could influence voter decisions and control of Congress.
The November 3 elections will determine whether Republicans retain their majorities or Democrats gain the power to challenge the president’s legislative priorities.
