A new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll shows that Americans are largely disapproving of President Donald Trump’s handling of his job, with 59% disapproving and only 41% approving. However, the same poll suggests that negative impressions of Trump may not be translating into a strong advantage for the Democratic Party in the upcoming midterm elections.
Only 46% of registered voters say they would back the Democratic candidate in their district, while 44% support the Republican candidate, with 9% undecided. This narrow margin is a significant decrease from previous midterms, where Democrats enjoyed an 11-point and 7-point advantage over Republicans.
The poll also reveals that Trump’s approval rating among his own party remains strong at 86%, but among independents, it falls to 30%. Trump’s disapproval mark among independents is 69%.
When asked about various issues, including the economy, immigration, and crime, most Americans say they disapprove of how Trump is handling each of them. However, opinions are more divided on issues like deporting undocumented immigrants and pushing back against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
The poll also highlights that voters who strongly disapprove of Trump are more likely to support Democrats for Congress, but those who “disapprove somewhat” are split between the two parties. On the other hand, voters who approve somewhat of Trump favor Republicans for Congress.
Another key finding is that White Americans’ views on Trump’s handling of the economy and immigration issues suggest a competitive contest in 2026. However, there is still uncertainty about the election due to ongoing mid-decade redistricting efforts in both red and blue states.
Overall, the poll suggests that Democrats face significant challenges ahead of the midterm elections, including capturing a broader base of support among independents and moderates.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/11/02/trump-democrats-poll-post-abc-ipsos