Low Trump Approval Adds Pressure on Republicans Ahead of Midterms

With five weeks remaining before the U.S. midterm elections, Republicans are facing voter dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, rising prices and the war in Iran.

An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that 17% of U.S. adults approved of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while 26% approved of his management of the economy overall. The poll also found that 65% blamed Trump’s policies for persistently high costs.

Although Trump is not on the ballot, his low approval ratings and continued influence over the Republican Party have become concerns for GOP candidates. France 24 reported that the party has begun directing campaign funds toward races previously considered safe. Some Republican candidates have also changed their positions on the war in Iran, one of the election’s major issues.

The Hill reported that a series of controversies involving Trump has added to Republican concerns, with polling showing voters focused on the cost of living, the broader economy and the conflict in Iran. At the same time, Politico characterized the economy as surging despite poor public assessments of Trump’s economic performance, reflecting a gap between some economic indicators and voters’ perceptions.