Trump’s Approval Rating Reaches Record Low

Over the past decade, President Trump’s support has been characterized by a low ceiling but a high floor. However, the latest New York Times/Siena poll puts this notion to the test.

According to the poll, only 37 percent of Americans approve of his performance as president. This marks a drop of four percentage points since the last survey in January and represents the lowest approval rating he has recorded in any Times/Siena survey during his terms.

While a four-point decline might not be significant, it places Trump in uncharted political territory. No president’s approval rating has remained beneath 38 percent for more than a few days in the past 17 years, according to historical averages. If there has been a consistent floor during this era of partisan politics, Trump’s current rating has reached it.

Though the outcome of the war in Iran and rising gas prices on Trump’s support remains uncertain, these issues could further diminish his approval ratings. Only 28 percent of voters approve of his handling of the cost of living, and a mere 31 percent support his approach to the war. Furthermore, only 30 percent of voters believe he made the “right decision” in attacking Iran.

The most immediate political consequence is evident in the upcoming midterm elections in November. Democrats seem increasingly well-positioned, with the poll showing them holding a double-digit lead of 50 percent to 39 percent when registered voters are asked which party’s candidate they favor for Congress. This reflects a notable shift from earlier Times/Siena polls during this cycle, which indicated a two to five-point lead for Democrats.