GOP Panic Grows as Trump Approval Hits Record Low Ahead of Midterms

With just over a month until the November midterm elections, the Republican Party is facing a deeply unfavorable political climate. President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 37 percent in a Wall Street Journal poll, the lowest for any president heading into a midterm since 1990 Source: Wired, Al Jazeera. This has triggered panic among GOP operatives, who privately acknowledge the possibility of losing both the House and Senate majorities Source: Wired, CNN.

Key factors driving the downturn

• High gas prices: The national average for a gallon of gas sits at $4.42, with diesel prices hitting record highs. Experts warn that elevated fuel costs historically hurt the incumbent party, and Republicans could face the same fate as Democrats did in 2022 Source: Fox Business.
• The Iran war: The ongoing conflict has roiled global energy markets and contributed to the rising cost of living, a top concern for voters Source: CNN, Al Jazeera.
• Erosion of support: Trump's approval has slipped even among Republicans. In California, only 76% of Republican voters approve of the president, down from 83% last year, which could dampen turnout in competitive races Source: LA Times.

Shifting voter coalitions

Democrats are regaining ground with key demographics. A new poll shows Democratic congressional candidates will receive between six and 10 percentage points more of the Hispanic vote compared to 2024, driven by discontent with the economy and Trump's immigration policy Source: El País. Meanwhile, strategists see anger over the war and the cost of living as a key motivator for young voters, who typically sit out midterms Source: Al Jazeera.

Republican response

Trump has announced a 32-day campaign tour to support GOP candidates, brushing aside concerns about his popularity Source: Al Jazeera. However, some Republican candidates are quietly distancing themselves from the president, scrubbing mentions of Trump from their campaign websites Source: LA Times. The White House is also reportedly preparing a legal strategy to shield aides from an expected crush of Democratic subpoenas if the party wins control of Congress Source: Wired.