Donald Trump's approval among Republicans hits new low ahead of midterms

WASHINGTON, DC: Ahead of the crucial midterm elections, the ongoing Iran conflict and growing economic concerns appear to be weighing on President Donald Trump's popularity.

The latest Fox News poll suggests that Trump’s popularity has hit a new low as voters are increasingly growing pessimistic about his handling of key issues.

Voters are not only upset with Trump’s handling of the economy, but the majority also opposes the US’s continued involvement in Iran, although they believe that the US is winning the war.

Trump's overall rating touches record low

President Trump’s overall rating this term touched a new low with 61% disapproving of his performance and 39% approving.

The numbers mark the highest disapproval figure recorded by a Fox News poll during his current term, only 1 point above his lowest approval rating from October 2017.

Since April, Donald Trump’s approval ratings have fallen among several of his key voter groups. 

The poll found that his support among Republicans, non-MAGA Republicans, white voters, and rural Americans has dropped to its lowest point of his presidency.

71% voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy

Trump’s rating on the economy has deteriorated badly when compared with last year. The national poll, which was conducted from May 15 to May 18 among 1,002 registered voters, reveals economic anxiety as the main reason behind Trump’s increasing disapproval.

The rating has dropped significantly over the past year, with 71% disapproving of Trump’s handling of the economy in the latest poll, significantly high from 56% a year ago and from 66% a month ago.

Trump’s overall approval rating for handling the economy stands at just 29%, down from 34% in April.

As the economy appears to be driving a shift, inflation proved even more damaging, with only 24% backing the administration’s response to rising costs.

People disapprove of Trump's handling of Border security

Border security, which was once Trump’s strongest area, also appears to be weakening for the first time this term. A staggering 51% of the participants disapproved of Trump’s handling of border security, with less than half, 49%, giving their approval.

That shift comes even as 45% of voters say border security is better today than two years ago, while 29% say it’s worse.

Foreign policy also did not perform in Trump’s favour, because the ratings were similarly poor, with 38% approval against 62% disapproval. Trump’s handling of the recent China summit was also underwater, with 45% approving and 54% disapproving.

“Despite consistently strong GOP support, the president’s numbers are leaking a bit. Make no mistake; it’s all about affordability. Independents jumped ship in 2025, and now non-MAGA Republicans and other core constituencies are wavering,” Republican pollster Daron Shaw told Fox News.