CNN poll claims declining Trump approval, but Republican base remains resilient ahead of midterms
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A CNN/SSRS poll reports a drop in President Trump’s approval and suggests Democrats lead in congressional races, but Republican voters continue to show strong loyalty, and skepticism remains about media-driven economic pessimism.
A recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS alleges that President Donald Trump’s approval has slipped to a historic low, with only about one-third of Americans approving of his job performance. The poll further claims that approval of his handling of the economy has fallen to 27%, down 22 points since 2018, and just 28% say economic conditions are good, a drop of 41 points. However, many conservatives question the objectivity of such polls, given mainstream media’s persistent negativity toward Trump and Republican policies.
According to the survey, voters currently prefer Democratic congressional candidates over Republicans by an eight-point margin nationally, a slight narrowing from the 12-point gap reported in September 2018. Two-thirds of registered voters say the economy is “extremely important” to their vote, and the poll suggests a majority now align more with Democratic positions on economic issues. Yet, these results come amid relentless media coverage blaming Republicans for economic woes, while ignoring global factors and Democratic obstruction.
Among respondents, 44% say their congressional vote will serve as a message of opposition to Trump, while only 19% view it as a message of support. The poll also reports that 57% express uncertainty about their personal finances, and nearly half report stress about their financial future—sentiments that have been amplified by media fearmongering and partisan attacks on Republican economic policies.
While Republican voters remain largely supportive of Trump, the poll claims enthusiasm has waned, with only 35% saying they strongly approve of him, down from 66% in 2018. Half of Republicans reportedly disapprove of his handling of inflation, and nearly half believe his policies have worsened or had no effect on economic conditions. Still, the Republican base remains resilient, recognizing the challenges posed by Democratic resistance and global economic headwinds.
Both Democratic and Republican members of Congress are reported as unpopular, with roughly one-quarter approval for each. The poll suggests voters see Democrats as slightly closer to their economic views, leading the GOP by seven points on that issue. On health-care policy, a 10-point margin allegedly favors a Democratic-controlled Congress, though opinions are split on whether such a shift would improve cost-of-living, personal finances, corruption, or foreign policy. Many conservatives remain skeptical that Democratic control would bring real solutions.
Beyond the economy, 61% of voters consider election integrity and voting rights extremely important, and majorities prioritize inflation and health care. However, more than half say other factors will influence their congressional vote, and about a third say the party controlling the House will be a primary driver. Despite the media narrative, Republicans remain focused on real solutions and defending American values.
CNN’s Jennifer Agiesta, Edward Wu and Isabelle LaBianco contributed to the report.