Trump Approval Rises Slightly as Democrats Take 7-Point Lead Ahead of Midterms

US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has edged up from a record low, but a new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows growing support for Democrats ahead of the 2026 congressional midterm elections.

The poll found that 35% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance as president, up from 33% in a previous Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted in late August. The earlier figure was the lowest approval rating recorded for Trump in his political career. 

Despite the slight improvement, the survey revealed a potentially troubling picture for Republicans heading into the November midterms.

Democrats Lead Republicans 44% to 37%

When respondents were asked which party they would support if congressional elections were held today, 44% chose Democrats while 37% chose Republicans.

The seven-point Democratic advantage is the widest recorded since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. 

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A generic congressional ballot measures national preference for which party voters want controlling Congress. It does not predict individual races because House and Senate elections are decided in specific states and districts, where local candidates and political conditions can have a major impact.

Still, the result could be a warning sign for Republicans because losing control of either chamber could make it more difficult for Trump to advance his agenda during the final two years of his presidency.

Americans Reject Trump’s $5,000 Dividend Proposal

The poll also asked Americans about Trump’s proposal to provide a $5,000 dividend to Americans if Republicans retain control of Congress.

The idea received strong opposition.

Overall, 63% of respondents said they disapproved of the proposal, including about four in 10 Republicans and nine in 10 Democrats. 

The proposal has generated debate over its cost, funding and political implications. Trump has argued that the federal government could afford the payments, while critics have questioned whether the plan is financially realistic. 

Democrats Gain an Edge on the Economy

The poll also found a notable shift in how Americans view the two parties on economic issues.

Democrats were narrowly preferred over Republicans as the party better able to handle the economy, 38% to 37%.

According to Reuters, Democrats gained that advantage during the summer for the first time in about a decade. 

Economic concerns have become increasingly important as Americans deal with higher fuel prices and other household pressures.

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Trump Faces Questions Over Washington Projects

Trump’s construction projects in Washington, including plans for a new White House ballroom, also received a mixed response.

About two-thirds of Americans surveyed considered the projects a low priority. Opposition was particularly strong among Democrats, with 91% saying they opposed the plans, while around one-quarter of Republicans also opposed them. 

The results suggest that the projects remain highly polarising along party lines.

What the Poll Means for the Midterms

The Reuters/Ipsos findings present a complicated picture for Trump and the Republican Party.

Trump’s personal approval rating has recovered slightly from its recent low, but Democrats have opened a seven-point lead in the national congressional preference poll.

If that gap persists into the midterm campaign, Republicans could face a difficult battle to maintain control of Congress.

However, the generic ballot should not be interpreted as a prediction of the final election result. Congressional control will ultimately depend on hundreds of individual races across the country.

The question now is whether Republicans can close the gap before voters head to the polls or whether the Democrats’ growing national advantage will translate into actual congressional victories.