A fresh survey from The Economist and YouGov reveals that President Donald Trump is facing significant headwinds as the November midterms approach. According to the poll released Tuesday, just 36% of Americans say they strongly or somewhat approve of how Trump is handling his duties, while a commanding 60% express disapproval—either strongly or somewhat. Only 4% of respondents were uncertain about his performance.
The findings underscore mounting political trouble for Trump and his party. The president is grappling with an unpopular military engagement in Iran, economic jitters, a contentious immigration crackdown, and recent Democratic wins at the ballot box. These factors are eroding his standing among voters who will decide control of Congress in just months.
Decision Desk HQ’s polling average, as of Wednesday afternoon, puts Trump’s approval at 40.80%, with disapproval at 56.60%—a gap that signals persistent dissatisfaction beyond any single survey.
Age, too, has become a liability for Trump, mirroring the same vulnerability that dogged his predecessor, Joe Biden. The poll found 52% of respondents believe Trump is too old to hold the presidency, while 36% disagree and 11% are unsure. This sentiment cuts across party lines and adds a new dimension to the president’s political challenges.
The administration’s handling of the Iran conflict has drawn sharp criticism, including from within the GOP. Representative Marjorie Greene recently blasted what she called a “stupid” social media post by Trump comparing U.S. combat deaths in the war, as reported by The World Signal. Meanwhile, Trump attended the dignified transfer of four fallen troops at Dover Air Force Base, vowing that Iran would “pay a big price.”
On the domestic front, Trump’s policies are also under fire. A new initiative threatens to cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding in 41 states over error rates, and the president has imposed a 100% tariff on generic drug imports unless production moves to the U.S. by 2028. These moves have sparked debate over their impact on vulnerable populations and the healthcare system.
The Economist/YouGov poll was conducted July 17–20 among 1,602 respondents, with a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points. The survey’s timing captures a moment of intense political strain for the White House.
As the midterms loom, Trump’s approval numbers remain a critical barometer for Republican prospects. With key issues like the economy, immigration, and foreign policy weighing on voters, the president’s team faces an uphill battle to reverse the trend before Election Day.
