Trump admits Republicans have an anger problem before making a striking claim

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump acknowledged that many voters are "very angry" with Republicans ahead of the midterm elections but argued that the frustration is not aimed at him.

In an interview with Punchbowl News that aired on Friday, August 7, Trump tried to distance himself from growing voter dissatisfaction with the Republican Party, even as he campaigns to help the GOP keep its narrow congressional majority.

Trump says voters blame Republicans, not him

"The question is, will they vote? Because a lot of them are very angry at Republicans, to be honest with you," Trump told Punchbowl News.

He immediately followed that assessment with a personal distinction.

"I mean they're angry at Republicans, but they're not angry at me. They're not angry at me," Trump said.

Trump's comments came with roughly three months remaining before the midterm elections, as he and his allies continue campaigning for Republican candidates while attacking Democratic policies in an effort to hold onto control of Congress.

The president also acknowledged the political reality that midterm elections have historically been difficult for the party that controls the White House, though he remained optimistic about the outcome.

"I think we're going to win," Trump said.

Polls paint a different picture

Trump's claim comes as multiple national polls cited by the Independent report show widespread dissatisfaction with his performance in office.

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump's approval rating at 35%. An AP/NORC poll conducted in July placed his approval at 33%, while a Quinnipiac University survey found it at 32%, the outlet reported. 

As per the report, much of that disapproval is tied to the ongoing military conflict with Iran. Trump's decision to bomb Iran earlier this year led to a prolonged conflict in which at least 18 US service members have been killed.

The war has also coincided with a $1 increase in gas prices and higher inflation.

While MAGA voters remain more supportive of Trump's handling of the conflict than the broader public, the report said support within that group has also declined over recent months as Trump has alternated between military strikes and pursuing a peace agreement.

Midterm history adds to Republican challenge

Some Republicans have warned that the economic effects of the Iran war could hurt the party in the upcoming elections.

The outlet noted that Trump campaigned on lowering everyday costs for Americans while also promising not to start new wars.

Republicans were already facing a historically difficult political environment because the president's party has typically lost congressional seats in midterm elections as voters seek change, the report said.

According to the outlet, there have been only two midterm election cycles in the past 80 years in which the president's party gained seats in Congress, both under unusual circumstances tied to the September 11, 2001, attacks and the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton.

Trump nevertheless expressed confidence that history would not repeat itself.

"Not everybody was a bad president. We've had good presidents and even good presidents; they tend to lose the midterms. So, I don't know what that is. Other than that, I say we should win easily," Trump added.