News

With Americans in a Sour Mood, Democratic Voters Are More Engaged in Midterms

Pew Research Center · Jocelyn Kiley, Steven Shepard, Andrew Daniller and Hannah Hartig · last updated

Trump approval drops to 30%, as 44% of voters see their vote as ‘against’ him

The 2026 midterm election is taking place amid deep public dissatisfaction with the state of the nation, near-record low approval ratings of President Donald Trump, and growing negativity about national economic conditions and the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Related Knowledge Center: Polls and polling

State of Play

Polls are considered essential to the businesses of politics and journalism. What they contribute to the quality of political journalism is subject to debate. 


More informationabout Polls and polling

Related Knowledge Center: Democracy and politics

State of Play

News organizations are scrambling to find a coverage approach that adequately informs the American public about the country’s slide from democracy to authoritarian rule.

The White House vs. the press


More informationabout Democracy and politics