Trump's approval rating drops to 32 percent, lowest ever recorded

President Donald Trump’s approval rating slipped to 32 percent in a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday, the lowest level of his political career and a new record low for his second term. The poll was conducted from Aug. 14‑19, just six weeks before the November midterm elections, and it puts the former president at the bottom of the public’s favorability scale since he first entered office in 2016.

The dip comes as the GOP grapples with a bruising election cycle and a cascade of legal and political setbacks for Trump. He faces multiple criminal indictments, a civil fraud case in New York, and ongoing investigations into the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. At the same time, the economy is cooling, inflation remains above target, and the Republican brand is under pressure in swing districts that have turned away from the party’s hard‑right message. Historically, Trump’s approval has hovered in the 40s and 50s during his presidency, and even after his 2020 loss he stayed above 35 percent in most surveys. The new figure marks a sharp departure from the 38 percent he posted in a June poll, suggesting a rapid erosion of his personal brand as the midterms approach.

Political analysts say the rating could reshape the GOP’s strategy in November. Some Republican candidates are distancing themselves, fearing that Trump’s unpopularity could drag down down‑ballot races. Others double‑down, hoping his loyal base will still turn out in force. The Republican National Committee has already begun to re‑tool messaging, emphasizing local issues over the former president’s rhetoric. In the Senate, where Republicans need to hold a narrow majority, several vulnerable incumbents are now courting moderate voters to offset any backlash from Trump‑linked controversies.

The next few weeks will test whether Trump can halt the slide or if the low rating will become a rallying point for opponents. If his approval remains near the 30‑percent mark, the party may have to recalibrate its reliance on his endorsement for key races. Conversely, a modest rebound could revive his influence and reshape the GOP’s narrative heading into the 2024 presidential contest. Both scenarios will force campaign managers to weigh the cost of association against the potential boost of his energized base.