The approval rating for President Donald Trump has plummeted to an all-time low just weeks before the midterm elections. A survey conducted jointly by Ipsos, The Washington Post, and ABC News found that only 33% of American adults support his administration, marking a new low for the series, even below the 38% recorded after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Conducted from October 9 to 13 with 2,545 adults and a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points, the survey reveals that 66% disapprove of Trump's performance, with 52% expressing strong disapproval, according to an EFE report.
This marks a four-point drop since July and a 12-point decline since February 2025, when he had a 45% approval rating at the start of his second term. The Washington Post noted that this is a lower level than any point during his first term.
Escalating Living Costs Take Their Toll
Another survey released on Tuesday by Reuters and Ipsos placed Trump's approval even lower, at 31%, also setting a record low for that series.
The primary driver behind this decline is the surge in living costs, exacerbated by the conflict with Iran's impact on fuel prices. The hostilities, which began on February 28, 2026, caused gasoline prices to skyrocket from $2.98 per gallon to $4.48 in September, a more than 50% increase.
As a result, 71% of respondents now view gasoline prices as "unaffordable," compared to 28% in February before the conflict began. Moody's Analytics estimated that the war and its energy repercussions are costing American households an additional $2,000 on average.
Political Repercussions and Election Outlook
Moreover, annual inflation climbed to 3.7% in September, driven largely by energy costs, and 72% of those surveyed believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, five points higher than in April.
In an effort to ease fuel price pressures, Trump sought an energy deal with Russia. On October 9, he announced the importation of up to 4.8 million tons of Russian diesel, and shortly after, he issued an executive order suspending congressional sanctions against Moscow that had broad bipartisan support.
This action drew criticism from legislators of both parties. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described it as a "60-day pause" to assess its impact on international markets, while former President Mike Pence publicly denounced it, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned it would be a "historic mistake."
Republican Challenges in Upcoming Elections
Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026, elections where the Republican Party aims to maintain control of both congressional chambers, Democrats lead Republicans by eight points among likely voters for the House of Representatives: 52% to 44%.
This advantage contrasts with the mere three-point difference separating the two parties in July, indicating a consistent Democratic advance in recent weeks. Several Republican congress members are struggling in districts that were once conservative strongholds, prompting Trump to ramp up his campaign events nationwide to try to maintain the majority.
The Cook Political Report anticipates a Democratic gain of between five and 15 seats in the House, enough for the party to reclaim the majority, as Republicans currently hold the chamber with just 218 seats against 214 Democrats.
Impact of Rising Living Costs on Trump's Popularity
Why is Trump's approval rating at a record low?
Trump's approval rating is at a record low primarily due to rising living costs, particularly the surge in fuel prices following the conflict with Iran.
How has the conflict with Iran affected fuel prices?
The conflict, which began in February 2026, has led to a dramatic increase in gasoline prices, soaring from $2.98 to $4.48 per gallon by September.
What are the potential political consequences for the Republican Party?
The Republican Party could lose control of the House of Representatives, with Democrats leading in polls and projected to gain seats in the upcoming elections.