Trump Approval Rating Falls to 32% as Republicans Face Political Crisis After 2026 Midterms
By The News Empire | November 9, 2026 | U.S. Politics
President Donald Trump’s approval rating remains near the lowest level of his political career as Republicans struggle to recover from their devastating defeat in the 2026 midterm elections.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday, November 9, found that just 32% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance as president.
The figure is only one percentage point above his reported career low of 31%, recorded in October.
The latest survey marks the third consecutive Reuters/Ipsos poll showing Trump’s approval at 32%, suggesting that public dissatisfaction has remained persistently high rather than representing a temporary fluctuation.
The results arrive less than a week after Democrats captured control of both chambers of Congress, delivering a major political setback to the president and his party.
Republicans are now confronting a difficult reality: the political coalition that returned Trump to the White House in 2024 did not produce enough support to preserve Republican control of Congress in 2026.
Economic dissatisfaction, the war with Iran, concerns about government accountability and frustration with the administration’s priorities have all contributed to the changing political environment.
For Trump, the immediate challenge is governing through the final two years of his presidency while facing an opposition-controlled Congress.
For Republicans, the larger question is whether they can rebuild public confidence before the 2028 presidential election.
Trump Approval Rating Holds at 32%
The latest Reuters/Ipsos survey found that Trump’s approval rating remains at 32%.
That represents a historically weak position for the president.
The survey also follows several previous polls showing substantial public dissatisfaction with his administration.
According to USA Today’s November 9 reporting, Trump’s approval has remained at 32% across three consecutive Reuters/Ipsos surveys conducted between late October and early November.
The consistency is politically important.
A single unfavorable poll may reflect sampling variation, temporary news developments or changes in public attention.
Repeated surveys showing similar results provide stronger evidence that the president is experiencing sustained political difficulties.
However, polls are estimates rather than exact measurements of public opinion.
Their results depend on sampling methods, question wording, survey timing and statistical uncertainty.
A reported approval rating of 32% should therefore be understood as a survey estimate, not a precise count of every American’s views.
Nevertheless, the broader pattern is clear.
Trump is facing substantial public disapproval at a critical point in his presidency.
Trump’s Approval Is Near His Career Low
The new poll places Trump just one percentage point above the 31% approval rating reported in October.
That figure represented the lowest level identified in the recent Reuters/Ipsos polling series.
The November results suggest that the president has not experienced a meaningful recovery since then.
Other polling organizations have reported similarly unfavorable numbers.
An Economist/YouGov survey released November 7 placed Trump’s approval at 36%, down three percentage points from its previous survey.
Although the two polling organizations produced different figures, both indicate that substantially more Americans disapprove of the president than approve.
Different polls should not be treated as interchangeable.
They may survey different populations, use different weighting methods or ask questions in different ways.
But when multiple organizations report similarly unfavorable trends, the findings become more difficult for political strategists to dismiss.
The overall picture is of a president entering the second half of his term with weakened public support.
National Polling Averages Show Widespread Disapproval
Polling averages provide another way to evaluate presidential approval.
Rather than relying on a single survey, averages combine results from multiple polls.
As of November 9, the RealClearPolitics average placed Trump’s approval at approximately 38.9%, compared with 59.2% disapproval.
The New York Times polling average showed approximately 37% approval and 60% disapproval.
Nate Silver’s Silver Bulletin average placed Trump at approximately 37.8% approval and 59.1% disapproval.
These figures differ from the Reuters/Ipsos result because they incorporate different surveys and methodologies.
But they point toward the same conclusion.
Trump is experiencing a large negative approval gap.
That gap matters because presidential approval can influence congressional elections, party unity and the political environment facing future candidates.
A president with weak approval may find it harder to persuade lawmakers, mobilize swing voters or defend controversial policies.
Republicans Suffer Major Midterm Defeat
The polling results follow a sweeping Democratic victory in the November 3 midterm elections.
Democrats won control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
They also achieved major victories in states that had strongly supported Trump in previous elections.
Reuters reported that Democrats made gains deep into Republican territory, including important Senate victories in Ohio and Kansas.
In Ohio, Democrat Sherrod Brown won a Senate race in a state Trump carried three times.
In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton defeated Republican incumbent Roger Marshall.
These results were especially significant because both states have generally favored Republican presidential candidates.
The victories demonstrated that the national political environment had shifted substantially.
Republicans had hoped to preserve congressional control and continue advancing Trump’s legislative agenda.
Instead, voters delivered a result that will dramatically change the balance of power in Washington.
Why Voters Turned Against Republicans
The midterm elections were shaped by several major issues.
Economic dissatisfaction was among the most important.
According to exit polling cited by Reuters, nearly nine in ten voters identified the cost of living as either a crucial or major factor in their voting decision.
Many Americans said they felt financially worse off than two years earlier.
High prices remained a source of frustration.
Households faced continuing pressure from food, housing, transportation and healthcare expenses.
The administration’s tariffs and the war with Iran also became central political issues.
Republicans argued that their policies were necessary to protect American economic and national security interests.
Democrats countered that those policies were increasing costs and creating uncertainty.
The election results suggest that the administration struggled to persuade voters that its approach was improving their financial circumstances.
However, election outcomes rarely have a single cause.
Candidate quality, turnout, local issues and broader public dissatisfaction also influence results.
The Cost of Living Became a Major Political Liability
Affordability was a central issue during Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign.
Many voters supported him because they wanted lower prices and stronger economic conditions.
But the administration faced persistent criticism over the cost of everyday necessities.
For working families, economic performance is often measured through practical experiences.
Can they afford groceries?
Are gasoline prices manageable?
Can they pay rent or a mortgage without financial strain?
Are healthcare expenses increasing?
These questions can have a greater influence on political attitudes than broad claims about national economic growth.
Even when economic indicators show improvement in certain areas, households may remain dissatisfied if their personal expenses continue rising.
That gap between national economic messaging and household experience became politically significant during the midterms.
Republican candidates were required to defend the administration’s economic record at a time when many voters remained frustrated.
The Iran War Added to Economic Pressure
The administration’s conflict with Iran became another major political liability.
The war has generated concerns about energy markets, transportation costs and America’s long-term military commitments.
Instability around the Strait of Hormuz is particularly important because the region is a major route for international petroleum shipments.
Disruptions or threats to shipping can influence global energy prices.
Those changes can eventually affect gasoline, diesel and transportation costs in the United States.
Higher transportation expenses can also increase costs for businesses and consumers.
Agricultural producers, manufacturers and logistics companies are especially sensitive to changes in energy prices.
The conflict therefore became more than a foreign policy debate.
It also became part of the national discussion about affordability.
Trump has defended the military operation as necessary for national security.
But some Republican officials have acknowledged that the war contributed to the party’s electoral difficulties.
JD Vance Blamed the War for Republican Losses
Vice President JD Vance publicly argued after the election that the Iran war was a principal reason Republicans lost control of Congress.
His comments attracted attention because they came from one of the administration’s most senior officials.
Vance suggested that the conflict had alienated voters who previously supported Trump.
The vice president’s interpretation reflects a broader disagreement within the Republican Party about how to evaluate the administration’s foreign policy decisions.
Some Republicans believe the war was strategically justified despite its political costs.
Others question whether the conflict achieved sufficient benefits to justify its economic and electoral consequences.
Trump has continued defending the decision to launch military operations.
The president’s position emphasizes national security objectives.
Vance’s remarks focused more heavily on political consequences.
These differences could become increasingly important as Republicans begin preparing for the 2028 presidential election.
Trump’s Poll Numbers Create Problems for Republicans
Presidential approval can affect a political party even when the president is not personally on the ballot.
Voters often use congressional elections to express satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the administration.
That dynamic was particularly visible during the 2026 midterms.
Republican candidates faced questions about Trump’s policies, the economy and the Iran war.
Some attempted to emphasize local issues.
Others closely aligned themselves with the president.
But the national political environment remained unfavorable.
Low presidential approval can also make fundraising and candidate recruitment more difficult.
Potential candidates may hesitate to run in competitive districts when their party faces widespread public dissatisfaction.
Donors may redirect resources toward races they consider more achievable.
And lawmakers may become more willing to distance themselves from unpopular administration policies.
The consequences can extend well beyond one election.
Congress Returns to a Changed Washington
The political situation became more visible Monday as lawmakers returned to Washington following the midterm elections.
The Associated Press reported that incoming Democratic lawmakers arrived for orientation while outgoing members began preparing to leave office.
The transition reflects the scale of the electoral shift.
Democrats are preparing to assume control of both chambers in January 2027.
Republicans, meanwhile, are confronting leadership disputes and questions about the party’s future.
The current Republican majority still has legislative responsibilities before the new Congress begins.
Those include government funding negotiations and consideration of major defense legislation.
But the party’s ability to pursue ambitious new legislation has been weakened by the election results.
The transition will also change the relationship between Congress and the White House.
Democrats Prepare Investigations Into the Trump Administration
Democratic leaders have indicated that congressional oversight will become a major priority.
The incoming majority is preparing investigations involving the administration’s decisions and conduct.
Potential areas of scrutiny include federal spending, immigration enforcement, national security and the Iran war.
Congressional committees have authority to request documents, conduct hearings and issue subpoenas under applicable rules.
Those powers can provide lawmakers with information about executive-branch activities.
They can also create political pressure.
However, investigations do not automatically establish wrongdoing.
Findings must be supported by evidence.
The administration has criticized Democratic investigative plans and suggested that some requests are politically motivated.
Democrats argue that oversight is necessary to restore accountability.
The confrontation could define much of Trump’s remaining presidency.
Trump’s Justice Department Signals a Confrontational Approach
The Associated Press reported Monday that Trump and the Justice Department are taking a combative position toward Democratic oversight plans.
Attorney General Todd Blanche has suggested that investigations of Democratic officials could be possible under certain circumstances.
The administration has accused Democrats of threatening officials and private companies through their planned investigations.
Democratic lawmakers have rejected those accusations.
The disagreement raises important questions about the relationship between Congress and the executive branch.
Congress has constitutional responsibilities involving oversight, appropriations and legislation.
The Justice Department is responsible for enforcing federal law.
Both institutions possess significant powers, but those powers are subject to legal limits.
The coming disputes may eventually involve courts if lawmakers and executive officials disagree about subpoenas, records or legal authority.
Hakeem Jeffries Could Become the First Black House Speaker
The Democratic victory has also created a historic opportunity for House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Jeffries is positioned to become the first Black speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
His potential election would represent a major milestone in American political history.
The speakership is one of the most powerful positions in the federal government.
The speaker presides over the House and plays a central role in legislative organization and leadership.
Jeffries would also become one of the most prominent Democratic officials during Trump’s final two years in office.
However, his election as speaker is not yet official.
The incoming House must formally choose its leadership.
Jeffries also faces questions from progressive Democrats about the party’s legislative priorities.
Some lawmakers want stronger commitments on affordability, healthcare and economic inequality.
The leadership transition will therefore involve both historical significance and internal party negotiations.
Black Voters Played an Important Role in the Midterms
The election results also demonstrated the continuing importance of Black voters in American politics.
Black Americans overwhelmingly supported Democratic congressional candidates.
Their participation contributed to victories in several competitive states and districts.
The results followed Trump’s efforts to expand Republican support among Black voters during the 2024 presidential election.
Those efforts produced some gains, particularly among Black men.
But the 2026 results suggested that Republicans struggled to sustain that momentum.
Economic dissatisfaction and broader concerns about government policy may have influenced voting decisions.
However, Black voters are not a politically uniform group.
Their priorities vary by age, income, region and individual experience.
The election demonstrates the importance of understanding those differences rather than treating any demographic group as a single political constituency.
Young Voters Also Shifted Toward Democrats
Younger Americans were another important part of the Democratic coalition.
Many young voters expressed concerns about housing affordability, employment opportunities and the cost of living.
Student debt and healthcare expenses also remain important issues for younger households.
The Iran war may have influenced some voters who oppose prolonged overseas military involvement.
But the election results do not establish that any single issue explains the movement among younger voters.
For Republicans, the challenge is significant.
The party must find ways to appeal to voters who are beginning their careers, forming households and confronting major financial responsibilities.
A political strategy that relies primarily on older voters may face difficulties over time.
The 2028 election will provide another test of whether Republicans can improve their standing among younger Americans.
Trump’s Approval Rating and the 2028 Election
Trump cannot be elected to a third presidential term under the Twenty-Second Amendment.
That means Republicans will need a new presidential nominee in 2028.
The president’s approval rating could influence that contest.
Potential candidates must decide how closely to align themselves with Trump’s policies.
Some may emphasize continuity with his administration.
Others may argue that the party needs a different approach to economic policy, foreign affairs or political messaging.
Vice President JD Vance is widely viewed as a possible contender.
Other Republican officials may also seek the nomination.
The party’s challenge will be to preserve support among Trump’s loyal voters while attracting Americans who rejected Republican candidates in 2026.
That may require changes in policy, leadership or campaign strategy.
Can Trump Recover Politically?
Presidential approval ratings can change.
Economic improvements, successful policy negotiations or major international developments can influence public opinion.
A president experiencing weak approval in one period may recover some support later.
But such a recovery is not guaranteed.
Trump faces several difficult challenges.
The economy remains a major concern for voters.
The Iran conflict has not produced a lasting political resolution.
Congressional Democrats are preparing aggressive oversight.
And Republicans are divided over how to respond to their electoral defeat.
The president will need to demonstrate progress on issues that voters consider important.
Simply repeating campaign promises may not be enough to reverse public dissatisfaction.
Why the 32% Figure Matters
The latest Reuters/Ipsos result is significant because it provides a current measure of public sentiment following the midterms.
The figure does not mean that exactly 32% of all Americans support every Trump policy.
Nor does it establish that the remaining 68% all oppose him for the same reasons.
Approval surveys measure general evaluations of presidential job performance.
Respondents may base their answers on economic conditions, foreign policy, political conduct or other concerns.
Nevertheless, a low approval rating can reduce a president’s political leverage.
Lawmakers may become less concerned about opposing the administration.
Opposition leaders may feel more confident pursuing investigations.
And members of the president’s own party may begin reconsidering their political strategies.
Those dynamics are already becoming visible in Washington.
Republicans Face Difficult Leadership Decisions
The midterm defeat has also triggered leadership questions inside the Republican Party.
House Republicans are preparing for a contest over their leadership positions.
With Mike Johnson stepping aside from the top leadership role, Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan have emerged as prominent contenders.
The party must decide who can best represent Republicans in the minority.
That decision will influence legislative negotiations and the party’s public messaging.
Some lawmakers may favor a confrontational approach toward Democrats.
Others may prioritize negotiations or rebuilding public confidence.
The disagreement reflects a larger strategic question.
Should Republicans continue pursuing the same policies that defined Trump’s first two years of his second term?
Or should they change direction in response to the election results?
The answer could shape the party for years.
What Democrats Must Prove
Democrats also face challenges despite their electoral victory.
Winning control of Congress creates expectations.
Voters may expect action on affordability, healthcare, government accountability and other issues.
But the president retains veto authority.
Major legislation may require bipartisan cooperation.
Democrats could therefore face difficulties delivering all the changes their supporters want.
Congressional investigations may attract public attention, but voters will also evaluate whether lawmakers address everyday economic concerns.
If Democrats fail to produce meaningful results, their political advantage could weaken.
The 2026 elections provide an opportunity, not a guarantee of lasting support.
The Economy Remains the Central Political Test
The next two years will likely be shaped heavily by economic conditions.
Inflation, housing costs, wages and employment opportunities influence how Americans evaluate political leadership.
Gasoline and food prices remain especially visible.
Voters encounter those expenses regularly.
The administration may point toward positive economic indicators.
Democrats may emphasize continuing financial hardship.
But public opinion will ultimately depend partly on whether households feel their financial circumstances are improving.
That is why the latest approval poll matters.
It suggests that many Americans remain dissatisfied with the president’s performance despite the administration’s efforts to defend its record.
Reversing that sentiment may require measurable improvements in economic conditions.
The Political Consequences Could Extend Beyond Washington
Federal elections influence state and local politics.
Republican governors, legislators and candidates may face pressure to distinguish themselves from unpopular national policies.
Democrats may attempt to build on their midterm victories by competing in states previously considered safely Republican.
The changing political environment could also influence fundraising, campaign recruitment and voter registration efforts.
But political realignments are not inevitable.
Voter coalitions can change between elections.
Presidential races attract different levels of turnout from midterms.
And local political conditions vary significantly.
The 2026 results demonstrate a major shift, but future elections will determine whether that shift becomes permanent.
What Happens Next?
Several developments will be important in the coming weeks.
Republicans will select congressional leaders as they prepare to enter the minority.
Democrats will organize their incoming majorities.
Congress will confront government funding deadlines and other unfinished legislation.
Trump will continue facing questions about the Iran war, immigration enforcement and the economy.
Additional polling will help determine whether the president’s approval rating remains near 32% or begins to change.
The administration’s response to the election results may also influence public opinion.
For now, the latest Reuters/Ipsos survey provides little evidence of a political recovery.
The Bottom Line
President Donald Trump’s approval rating remains at 32%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released November 9.
The result places him near the lowest approval level reported during his political career.
It also follows a major Republican defeat in the 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats have won control of Congress.
Republicans are preparing for leadership changes.
And the administration faces increasing scrutiny over its economic and foreign policies.
The latest polling does not establish exactly why every voter disapproves of Trump.
But the broader political evidence points toward significant public dissatisfaction.
High living costs, the Iran war and concerns about government accountability have all contributed to the difficult political environment.
Trump still has more than two years remaining in his presidency.
He retains substantial executive authority and the ability to influence national policy.
But governing with low approval and an opposition-controlled Congress will present serious challenges.
For Republicans, the immediate priority is determining how to recover from the midterm defeat.
For Democrats, the challenge is translating their electoral victory into effective congressional leadership.
And for American voters, the central question remains whether Washington can deliver meaningful improvements in economic security, government accountability and national stability.
The News Empire will continue tracking Trump’s approval rating, congressional developments and the political changes shaping the United States ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
The News Empire | thenewsempire.com