With just two days remaining before the 2026 midterm elections, President Donald Trump faces a troubling political reality: a substantial majority of Americans disapprove of his performance, and multiple national polling organizations report that his public standing has deteriorated significantly throughout the year.

According to a November 1 analysis published by Newsweek, four major polling trackers show Trump's net approval rating falling between 11 and 11.8 percentage points since the beginning of 2026.

The findings suggest growing public dissatisfaction with an administration that has spent nearly two years exercising extensive control over the federal government.

Nearly Six in Ten Americans Disapprove

Newsweek examined polling averages from Civiqs, Silver Bulletin, The New York Times, and RealClearPolling.

As of October 29, Trump's approval ranged from approximately 33% to 38.4%, while disapproval hovered around 60%.

Civiqs reported particularly unfavorable numbers: 33% approval against 60% disapproval, producing a net approval rating of negative 27 percentage points.

Separate surveys reinforced the findings.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll completed October 26 placed Trump's approval at 32%, while an October Pew Research Center survey found 30% approval and 68% disapproval.

Although polling organizations use different methodologies, the overall pattern shows widespread dissatisfaction with the president's performance.

The Economy Is Driving Discontent

Economic concerns appear central to Trump's declining standing.

Throughout his political career, Trump has portrayed himself as uniquely capable of delivering economic prosperity. Yet recent polling suggests many Americans remain unconvinced by his administration's handling of everyday expenses.

A CNN survey conducted October 15–18 found that only 27% approved of Trump's handling of the economy, while just 23% approved of his performance on inflation.

Approximately two-thirds of respondents said his policies had made economic conditions worse.

The Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 73% believed the cost of living was moving in the wrong direction.

These results highlight a significant disconnect between the administration's economic messaging and the experiences reported by many Americans.

Even Republican Support Has Weakened

Trump continues to command substantial support among Republican voters, but recent surveys indicate that loyalty has weakened.

CNN found his approval among Republicans had declined to 74%, compared with 88% in February 2025.

Among white Americans without college degrees, a historically important Trump constituency, approval fell from 63% at the beginning of his second term to 45%.

These changes suggest dissatisfaction extends beyond Democratic voters and longstanding Trump opponents.

The Midterm Elections Approach

The polling comes as Republicans attempt to retain control of both chambers of Congress.

An October Reuters/Ipsos survey found Democrats leading Republicans 47% to 36% among registered voters asked which party they preferred for Congress.

A separate CNN survey found Democrats ahead 49% to 39%.

However, national polling does not directly determine congressional outcomes. Individual candidates, district boundaries, turnout, and local political conditions remain important.

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle defended Trump's political standing, describing him as the Republican Party's central leader and arguing that his accomplishments and connection with supporters would help Republican candidates.

A Presidency Facing Public Scrutiny

The latest numbers present a challenge for an administration that frequently emphasizes its public mandate.

Trump retains a committed political base, but the available surveys consistently show considerably more Americans disapproving than approving of his presidency.

The economic findings are particularly significant because affordability remains a central concern for voters.

Tuesday's election will provide another measure of public sentiment, although its results cannot be reduced to a referendum on one individual.

For now, the polling documents a presidency confronting substantial dissatisfaction over economic conditions, policy decisions, and the direction of the country.