Poll Highlights Public Sentiment Toward President Trump as Midterms Approach

A recent poll indicates that many Americans hold President Donald Trump accountable for the increasing prices and rising cost of living as the midterm elections draw near.

The survey, conducted with 2,140 potential voters nationwide between September 24 and 28, shows a margin of error of +/-2.9 percentage points. According to the results from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, only 17 percent of respondents approve of how the president is addressing higher prices, and just 26 percent are satisfied with his overall economic management. About 65 percent attribute elevated prices to the president’s policies.

Looking at party affiliation, 67 percent of Republicans believe that factors outside of the president’s control contribute to higher prices. Interestingly, a similar survey last year found that around 87 percent of Democrats thought that price increases were beyond President Joe Biden’s control, while 44 percent of the general public felt those price hikes stemmed from Biden’s actions.

The poll further noted that expectations regarding Trump’s management of the cost of living are not being met; 69 percent of individuals say his approach has been worse than anticipated, which includes 52 percent of Republicans.

Furthermore, more than half of the adults surveyed reported that the national and local economies have worsened since Trump was re-elected in 2025. Around 46 percent also stated that their personal financial situation has declined since the beginning of his second term. A significant 73 percent of Americans believe the country is on the wrong path, with 92 percent of Democrats and 47 percent of Republicans sharing this view.

On matters of trade and foreign policy, Trump doesn’t fare much better, with 68 percent disapproving of his trade negotiations and 64 percent viewing his tariff policy as overly aggressive.

However, the president received a slightly better approval rating concerning immigration, sitting at 39 percent. The study noted that nearly half, about 48 percent, feel his handling of immigration has been worse than expected, while 23 percent believe it has improved.

Additionally, 71 percent of respondents disapprove of Trump’s approach to Iran, with 69 percent indicating they do not find the ongoing conflict worthwhile.

As the midterms approach, the president’s approval ratings have fluctuated, ranging from a high of 39 percent to a low of 29 percent. According to analyses, Republican success in the upcoming elections may depend heavily on inflation and enthusiasm within their base.