Trump approval rises to 32% in Ipsos/Reuters poll as Democrats keep midterm lead

Trump's approval edges up from a record low

The latest Ipsos/Reuters poll puts approval of Donald Trump's performance as president at 32%, up one point from 31% a week earlier. The earlier reading was the lowest in the history of the survey across his first and second terms. Even so, 66% of respondents still rate his performance negatively, so the one-point gain leaves him far from a majority. The New York Times polling average gives him 37% support, only one point above the worst average of his presidency.

Previous poll31%

Latest poll32%

Previous poll

31 %

Latest poll

32 %

Data from the article text

Democrats hold a lead among registered voters

The survey covered 1,679 adult Americans, including 1,280 registered voters, with a margin of error of 2 percentage points. Among registered voters, 47% say they would vote for the Democratic Party and 36% for the Republican Party. That leaves Democrats 11 points ahead, one point less than in the poll published a week earlier. When unregistered adults are added, the gap narrows to 9 points, with 50% backing Democrats and 41% Republicans. Those respondents may not take part in the November vote, which is why they are reported separately.

Democratic Party47%

Republican Party36%

Democratic Party

47 %

Republican Party

36 %

Data from the article text

Economy and enthusiasm

Respondents were also asked which party manages the economy better, and more chose the Democratic Party (37%) than the Republican Party (33%). The sources note that this result differs from the pattern seen before the outbreak of the US war with Iran. Enthusiasm for the vote follows a similar split, with 46% of Democratic voters saying they look forward to the midterms with enthusiasm, compared with 30% of Republican voters. The economic comparison is shown below.

Democratic Party37%

Republican Party33%

Democratic Party

37 %

Republican Party

33 %

Data from the article text

A tougher week for the administration

In the poll published a week before the latest one, both the Democratic lead and Trump's ratings were at record unfavourable levels for the current administration. The new survey shows a slight recovery on both measures, but the changes are within the margin of error. Trump's approval has therefore not returned to the level it held before that low point. Commentary in the coverage presents the change as a modest rebound rather than a turnaround.

What is at stake on 3 November

Voters will elect the entire House of Representatives, 33 of the 100 senators and governors in 36 states on 3 November. According to the Cook Political Report, Democrats have a chance to take control of the House and win back a majority in the Senate. They are also favourites in at least 19 governor races. The poll was published a little over a week before the vote. The Democratic Party is the opposition to Trump's administration, while the Republican Party is the one backing him.