President Donald Trump's job approval rating has inched upward to 32 percent, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos survey released Monday. The poll, conducted Oct. 22-26, shows 66 percent of U.S. adults disapprove of the president's performance, a slight improvement from last week's record low of 31 percent.
The marginal uptick comes as the administration grapples with rising costs linked to its military confrontation with Iran and ongoing trade disputes with allies like Canada. These economic pressures have weighed heavily on Trump's public standing, complicating Republican efforts to retain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump has sought to frame the elections as a referendum on his presidency, telling supporters at the GOP's September convention in Dallas: "I'm asking you to pretend that I'm on the ballot." He warned that a Democratic victory would jeopardize border security, tax cuts, and economic prosperity, and even pledged $5,000 to every U.S. adult if Republicans hold the House and Senate.
However, the latest polling suggests voters are increasingly skeptical of Republican economic stewardship. Before the Iran conflict began on Feb. 28, respondents favored Republicans on economic issues; now, 37 percent say Democrats handle the economy better, compared to 33 percent for the GOP.
Democratic enthusiasm is also outpacing Republican fervor. The survey found 46 percent of Democrats are "very enthusiastic" about voting, versus just 30 percent of Republicans. On a generic congressional ballot, Democrats lead Republicans by 47 percent to 36 percent, a significant gap that has GOP strategists worried.
In response, Trump has intensified his campaign travel, stumping for candidates in battleground states like Texas and Georgia. Yet some Senate Republicans have privately warned that the president's presence could alienate independent voters in key races, potentially endangering vulnerable incumbents. This dynamic echoes concerns raised in the GOP's red-state push as Democrats eye a potential wave.
Trump's recent rally swing, which includes stops in Texas to support Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, reflects the party's effort to energize its base. But as that coverage notes, the strategy carries risks if it fails to broaden appeal beyond core supporters.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted among 1,679 U.S. adults, has a margin of error of 2 percentage points. With Election Day approaching, these numbers underscore the steep climb Republicans face to maintain their majorities.
