President Donald Trump’s support among voters is slipping, according to a recent University of Massachusetts Amherst poll. This trend holds significant consequences for the Republican Party as it braces for the upcoming midterms. Historically, low presidential approval ratings have resulted in the president’s party losing seats in Congress, a scenario that played out during the 2018 midterms.
The poll indicates increasing voter dissatisfaction due to various factors, including economic concerns, inflation, and an unpopular conflict in Iran. This discontent might allow Democrats to challenge traditionally Republican states like Texas.
Trump Voter Loyalty Waning
The UMass poll revealed that 84% of those who voted for Trump in 2024 would do so again if the election were repeated. In contrast, 94% of Democratic votes remained firm with former Vice President Kamala Harris. Notably, 16% of Trump’s voters expressed reluctance to support him again.
However, the shift doesn’t necessarily favor Harris. Only 2% of disenchanted Trump voters would back her. Instead, 7% would opt for a third party, and another 7% would abstain from voting. Among previous non-voters, only 20% would now choose Trump, compared to 27% for Harris and 14% for third-party candidates.
Net Approval Ratings Decline
Trump’s net approval rating has plummeted to -32 points, with only 32% approval against 64% disapproval. This represents a decrease from previous UMass polls, which recorded a net approval of -29 points in March 2026 and -20 points in July 2025. Tatishe Nteta of UMass Amherst highlighted the urgency for Trump and the GOP to address pressing national issues, warning of potential losses in congressional control.
Comparative Polling Insights
Other polls corroborate the downturn in Trump’s approval. A Morning Consult survey shows a -14 point rating, with 41% approval against 55% disapproval. A Quantus Insights poll reflects a similar trend, with a -15 point net approval. The YouGov and The Economist poll records a net approval of -21 points, while a Reuters/Ipsos poll stands at -32 points.
Trump’s Reaction to Polls
Trump has dismissed unfavorable polls as inaccurate, accusing media outlets of deliberately misrepresenting data. He criticized these surveys on Truth Social, asserting the presence of so-called ‘Demoralization Operations’ designed to deter Republican voters.
Economic Factors Behind Approval Slump
Economic struggles, especially inflation, are significant contributors to Trump’s declining approval ratings. CNN analyst Harry Enten emphasized the shifting perception among independents who previously trusted Trump more on inflation than Harris. The UMass poll found that only 22% of Americans felt Trump managed inflation positively, while 75% disagreed.
On job performance, 31% rated Trump favorably, while 63% disagreed. The broader economic sentiment is bleak, with 57% of Americans believing the economy is worsening.
Rising gas prices due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran conflict further challenge the administration. These economic pressures compound the issues facing Trump’s approval ratings.
For further information, contact Newsweek editors Samantha Beech and Sam Wilson on this story.
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