US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has slipped to near the lowest level of his presidency, while Democrats have overtaken Republicans on handling the economy for the first time in nearly a decade, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The survey, conducted from Wednesday through Monday, showed Trump’s approval rating falling to 35%, down from 37% in a previous poll last month. The latest figure is within one percentage point of the lowest approval level recorded during his current term.
The findings come as economic concerns, including rising energy costs linked to the ongoing US war on Iran, emerge as a potential political vulnerability for Trump and Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.
Among registered voters, 37% said Democrats have a better approach to managing the US economy, compared with 36% who favored Republicans. Another 27% said they were unsure or preferred another option.
Reuters/Ipsos poll | 7/29-8/3
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) August 3, 2026
(Registered voters)
Generic congressional ballot 2026
🟦Democratic 43% (+3)
🟥Republican 37% (-1)
(Change from 7/22-7/24)
———
(Adults)
President Trump approval
❌Disapprove 63% (+2)
✅Approve 35% (-2)
(Change from 7/22-7/24)…
The result marks a shift from recent years, when Republicans maintained an advantage over Democrats on economic issues through Trump’s first term, Joe Biden’s presidency, and the early months of Trump’s second term.
Economic Concerns Weigh on Republicans
The poll found the Republican advantage on economic issues has steadily narrowed as household finances have come under pressure, particularly amid higher gasoline prices following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the conflict that followed.
Gasoline prices have risen sharply since the start of the war, adding to concerns over inflation and the cost of living, issues that could shape voter decisions in the midterm elections.
In a hypothetical congressional vote held today, 42% of registered voters said they would support a Democratic candidate, while 37% said they would vote Republican. Independent voters favored Democrats by a 12-point margin.
Republicans are expected to defend narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress in November, though the number of truly competitive races remains limited.
Despite unfavorable polling trends, Trump has dismissed surveys showing dissatisfaction with his leadership. Ahead of the poll’s release, he wrote on his Truth Social platform that his “REAL Polling Numbers” were “the best they have ever been,” criticizing what he called unfavorable media polling.
🚨 Trump: My REAL polling numbers are the best ever. Fake News polls are crooked and corrupt. Historic wins on the economy, border, Venezuela, and Iran prove America is winning again!
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) August 3, 2026
"My REAL Polling Numbers, not those made up by the Fake News Media, are the best they have… pic.twitter.com/qYpHZca2LE
The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 4,505 US adults nationwide online, with a margin of error of approximately two percentage points.
Source: Reuters (edited by Al-Manar)