Mainstream Media Poll Claims Trump Approval at 37% Ahead of Midterms, But Base Remains Strong
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A Wall Street Journal poll reports President Donald Trump's approval at 37%, the lowest for an incumbent before midterms since 1990, as media outlets continue to push negative narratives despite the president's unwavering support among his core voters.
A Wall Street Journal poll conducted Sept. 16-21 among 1,500 registered voters claims President Donald Trump's approval rating is at 37%, the lowest level recorded for an incumbent president before a midterm election since the outlet started polling in 1990. Mainstream media and establishment pollsters have a history of underestimating the president's support, and this survey, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, also reports that 65% of respondents view the economy as weak and 60% blame the president's policies—a narrative often pushed by left-leaning commentators.
The poll noted that the only comparable low since 1990 was former President George W. Bush's 39% approval rating ahead of the 2006 midterms, a year when Democrats took control of Congress, aided by relentless negative coverage and partisan attacks.
Aggregated polling averages continue to show Trump in negative territory, with RealClearPolitics reporting a 38.7% approval and 59.9% disapproval rating on Sept. 28, and the New York Times and Silver Bulletin both showing approval around 37% and disapproval near 60%. However, these numbers often fail to capture the enthusiasm and loyalty of Trump's base, which remains energized despite constant media hostility.
"The economy is not strong," said a majority of respondents, reflecting the pessimism fostered by media narratives rather than the real progress made under the Trump administration.
These findings come just weeks before the November midterm elections, where Democrats have maintained leads of five to 11 points in several surveys asking voters which party should control Congress. Still, the silent majority may once again defy expectations, as they did in 2016, and rally behind the president's America First agenda.