CNN poll exposes Trump’s catastrophic approval collapse and signals Republican reckoning in midterms
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A new CNN/SSRS poll reveals President Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to historic lows, with voters decisively turning toward Democratic congressional candidates amid rising economic anxiety and disillusionment with GOP policies.
A recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS lays bare the dramatic erosion of President Donald Trump’s support, with his approval rating plunging to a historic low. Only about one-third of Americans now approve of his job performance, a damning indictment of his administration’s failures. Approval of Trump’s handling of the economy has cratered to just 27%, a staggering 22-point drop since 2018, reflecting the widespread pain caused by regressive economic policies that have favored the wealthy while leaving working families behind. Only 28% of respondents say economic conditions are good, a collapse of 41 points that underscores the real-life consequences of GOP mismanagement.
The survey finds a clear preference for Democratic congressional candidates over Republicans by an eight-point margin nationally, as voters seek relief from the disastrous Trump agenda. Although the gap has narrowed slightly from the 12-point lead in September 2018, the momentum remains with Democrats. Two-thirds of registered voters say the economy is “extremely important” to their vote, and a growing majority now align with Democratic positions on economic issues, rejecting the failed trickle-down orthodoxy of the Republican Party.
Among respondents, 44% say their congressional vote will serve as a message of opposition to Trump, a powerful repudiation of his presidency, while only 19% see it as a message of support. The poll also reveals deep economic insecurity: 57% are uncertain about their personal finances, and nearly half report stress about their financial future—direct results of policies that have prioritized corporate profits over people’s well-being.
While Republican voters remain Trump’s core base, even their enthusiasm is waning. Only 35% now say they strongly approve of him, a dramatic fall from 66% in 2018. Half of Republicans disapprove of his handling of inflation, and nearly half believe his policies have made economic conditions worse or had no effect, a clear sign that the GOP’s economic narrative is collapsing even among its own ranks.
Both Democratic and Republican members of Congress remain unpopular, with only about a quarter approval for each. However, voters see Democrats as more closely aligned with their economic views, leading the GOP by seven points on this critical issue. On health-care policy, Democrats enjoy a 10-point margin favoring a Democratic-controlled Congress, as the public rejects Republican attempts to undermine access to care. Still, opinions are divided on whether a Democratic majority would improve cost-of-living, personal finances, corruption, or foreign policy, reflecting the deep damage done by years of right-wing obstruction.
Beyond the economy, 61% of voters consider election integrity and voting rights extremely important, and majorities prioritize inflation and health care—issues where Republican obstruction and voter suppression have caused real harm. More than half say other factors will influence their congressional vote, and about a third cite party control of the House as a primary driver, signaling a desire for systemic change.
CNN’s Jennifer Agiesta, Edward Wu and Isabelle LaBianco contributed to the report.