Trump disapproval rating climbs to 58% ahead of 2026 vote

Trump’s disapproval rating rises to 58% as Democrats show stronger enthusiasm for the 2026 midterm elections, Reuters-Ipsos poll reveals.

New Poll Reveals Deepening Voter Frustration With the President

United States President Donald Trump’s approval rating has hit one of its lowest points since the start of his second term, according to a new Reuters-Ipsos poll. The survey shows that 58% of Americans now disapprove of Trump’s performance — a significant rise from 52% in May.

Meanwhile, the president’s approval rating remains stagnant at around 40%, underscoring the growing discontent among voters as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

Democrats Show Stronger Enthusiasm for 2026 Elections

The poll, conducted over six days earlier this month and involving 1,200 U.S. adults, also revealed a clear enthusiasm gap between the two major parties.
Approximately 44% of Democrats described themselves as “very enthusiastic” about voting in next year’s midterm elections, compared with only 26% of Republicans.

Political analysts suggest this surge in Democratic enthusiasm may be tied to recent Democratic victories in key state elections earlier in November.

Democratic Momentum Grows After Key State Wins

On November 4, Democrats scored a series of impressive wins in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City, where progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani triumphed in a hotly contested mayoral race.
In California, voters approved a ballot initiative to redraw congressional districts in favor of Democrats — a move seen as a counter to Republican-led gerrymandering efforts in several states.

These developments have boosted Democratic morale and fueled optimism heading into next year’s national contests.

Government Shutdown Ends After 43 Days of Turmoil

The new poll concluded just before Congress voted to end the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, which lasted 43 days.
President Trump signed a spending bill late Wednesday night to reopen the government, temporarily extending funding through January 30.

The House passed the measure by a narrow 222–209 vote, with six Democrats siding with Republicans, while the Senate approved it earlier in the week with bipartisan support.

The shutdown had paralyzed parts of the federal government, affecting millions of Americans — from unpaid federal workers to families relying on social programs.

Voter Intentions Remain Split

Despite the enthusiasm gap, the poll found that Democrats and Republicans remain nearly tied in overall voter preference.
If the congressional elections were held today, 41% of registered voters said they would support Democratic candidates, while 40% favored Republicans.

The 1-point difference falls within the poll’s 3% margin of error, suggesting that both parties face a competitive road ahead.

What This Means for Trump’s 2026 Strategy

The rising disapproval rating signals a warning for the Trump administration as it navigates the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms.
While the president’s loyal base continues to support him, growing dissatisfaction among independents and moderate Republicans could make it harder for his party to maintain control of Congress.

Political experts believe Trump will need to focus on economic recovery, border policy, and party unity to regain lost ground before the next election cycle.

Final Thoughts

The 58% disapproval rating highlights a troubling moment for Donald Trump’s presidency. With Democrats gaining momentum and showing stronger enthusiasm for the midterms, the next year could prove decisive for the balance of power in Washington.

If these trends continue, the 2026 midterm elections may not only determine control of Congress — but also shape the future trajectory of Trump’s legacy.