By Salma El-Sakka
Donald Trump has received the lowest midterm voter approval rating of any president in a CBS News exit poll, with his job approval standing at 38 percent. The figure marks a decline from the 45 percent he recorded during the 2018 midterms in his first term and falls below the 44 percent approval that Joe Biden garnered in 2022, Barack Obama in 2010, and George W. Bush in 2006.
Voter Dissatisfaction and Economic Concerns
Roughly three-quarters of voters expressed dissatisfaction with the country's direction, with 38 percent saying they feel angry and 37 percent dissatisfied. Only 18 percent feel satisfied and 7 percent enthusiastic. Trump has blamed his predecessor Biden for economic conditions, but 44 percent of voters say their financial situation is worse than two years ago, 38 percent say it is about the same, and just 18 percent say it is better. Annual inflation stood at 3.7 percent in September, food costs rose 2.5 percent, and energy costs surged 20.4 percent, driven in part by an eight-month military conflict in Iran.
Iran War and Party Perceptions
A majority of voters, including about a quarter of Republicans, believe the United States made the wrong decision to take military action against Iran. The Democratic Party holds a slightly better favorability rating at 46 percent favorable versus 54 percent unfavorable, while the Republican Party stands at 41 percent favorable and 59 percent unfavorable. Neither party has won over a majority of voters.
Impact on Congressional Races
Trump was a factor for 59 percent of voters in their House of Representatives choice. Among those voting Democratic, 78 percent said their vote was to oppose Trump. Among Republican voters, 36 percent said they voted to support the president, while 62 percent said he was not a factor. Democrats need to gain three House seats and four Senate seats to secure majorities in both chambers.
