Trump Hit With More Bad News After Election Loss
President Donald Trump is facing some of his weakest approval numbers of his second term, according to a new survey conducted shortly after Republicans suffered major setbacks in the 2026 midterm elections.
The Economist/YouGov poll found that 63 percent of Americans disapprove of the job Trump is doing, while only 32 percent approve. More than half of those surveyed, 52 percent, said their disapproval was strong, suggesting the president is facing significant dissatisfaction among voters.
Two areas are weighing particularly heavily on his standing: foreign policy and the economy. A total of 61 percent disapproved of Trump’s handling of foreign affairs, while 67 percent gave him negative marks on economic issues. The economy received the worst evaluation among the subjects included in the survey.
The findings come as Republicans continue debating what contributed to their midterm losses. Vice President JD Vance and other figures in the party have pointed to the war with Iran as a major factor. The conflict has become a growing source of political pressure, particularly as Americans deal with higher fuel costs and persistent inflation.
The survey found that 63 percent of respondents want the war to end immediately. Opposition to the conflict has become an issue for Democrats and some Republicans, including candidates who raised concerns about the military campaign during the election season.
Economic concerns are also creating problems for the administration. More than half of those surveyed, 55 percent, believe the economy is getting worse. Just 13 percent said conditions are improving. When asked to rate the overall economy, 74 percent described it as either fair or poor.
Rising everyday expenses appear to be a major part of that dissatisfaction. Majorities said gasoline, groceries and housing have become considerably more expensive. Notably, no respondents in the survey said food or gasoline prices had declined.
Those results stand in contrast to Trump’s 2024 campaign promises to bring down prices and improve household finances. With the cost of basic necessities continuing to concern voters, the economy remains a difficult issue for the president.
The poll also found resistance to some of Trump’s proposed construction projects in Washington. Half of those surveyed said Congress should not permit work on the planned White House ballroom to move forward. Opposition was even higher for a proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, with 57 percent saying they did not support the project.
Questions about government ethics are another source of concern. Sixty percent of respondents believe Trump is using the presidency to benefit himself personally. Overall, 82 percent said they believe most or many people involved in running the federal government are corrupt.
Even with the midterm results still fresh, attention is beginning to shift toward the 2028 presidential election. The survey offered an early look at potential contenders in both parties.
Among Republicans, Vance leads with 40 percent support, followed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 33 percent. The early numbers suggest the two are currently the leading names in the party’s potential presidential field.
The Democratic contest appears less settled. Former Vice President Kamala Harris received 20 percent support, placing her slightly ahead of Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff, who registered 15 percent. Ossoff recently won reelection by nearly 20 percentage points, a strong result in a state that remains a major battleground for both parties.
The Economist/YouGov survey questioned 1,685 U.S. citizens between November 9 and November 11. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
