WorldPosted at: Oct 20 2026 6:24PM

Washington, Oct 20 (UNI) US President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to a record low of 31%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Monday, with two weeks remaining before the November midterm elections.
The survey found that 66% of respondents disapproved of Trump's performance, with his approval rating down one percentage point from the previous poll two weeks earlier. The latest figure marks the lowest level recorded during either of his presidential terms.
Dissatisfaction was particularly pronounced over the economy, with 68% of respondents disapproving of Trump's handling of economic issues, including 37% of self-identified Republicans.
A separate Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll published on Sunday put Trump's approval rating at 33%, four percentage points lower than in July and below any level recorded during his first term.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey also found Democrats holding a 12-point lead on a generic congressional ballot, with 47% of registered voters favouring Democratic candidates and 35% backing Republicans. It was the widest Democratic lead recorded in the poll during the current election cycle. Two weeks earlier, Democrats had led Republicans by 44% to 37% on the question of which party voters preferred to control Congress.
The findings come amid mounting public dissatisfaction following the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28. The ensuing conflict has contributed to higher fuel prices across the country after Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies.
Trump has sought to bring down petrol and diesel prices, but costs at the pump have remained elevated despite a modest decline in recent weeks. The average price of petrol in the US reached $4.28 a gallon on Tuesday, nearly $1.30 higher than at the same point last year, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
With Republicans facing the possibility of losing control of the House of Representatives and Senate, Trump has urged voters to "pretend I'm on the ballot". He has also pledged to provide $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress.
During a campaign appearance for Republican Senator Roger Marshall in Kansas on Monday, Trump announced an $8 billion fund intended to offset diesel costs for farmers during the harvest season.
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