Politics · October 21, 2026
Trump’s approval rating reaches new low despite midterm campaign push
Less than two weeks before the midterm elections, multiple polls indicate President Donald Trump’s approval rating has reached new lows. A New York Times/Siena College poll shows his approval at 36%, with 59% of likely voters disapproving of his performance. Separate polling from The Center Square found a 55% disapproval rate. Voters cited the economy, the cost of living, gas prices, and the war in Iran as primary sources of frustration, while Democrats appear to hold an 11-point lead in congressional preferences heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
Only one outlet has covered this so far. CadNews compares coverage once more outlets report it.
Read the original coverage
- Washington ExaminerMBFC: Right-Center
Trump’s approval rating reaches new low despite midterm campaign push
Read at Washington Examiner ↗
Reported across the spectrum
- Donald Trump’s approval rating has reached a new low in recent polling.
- A New York Times/Siena College poll found 36% approval and 59% disapproval among likely voters.
- The midterm elections are approximately two weeks away.
- Voter dissatisfaction is largely driven by the economy and the cost of living.
Reported by only some outlets
- Democrats hold an 11-point advantage over Republicans in congressional preferences.
- The Center Square poll found 55% disapproval overall and 58% disapproval specifically on the economy.
- The war in Iran and gas prices were specifically cited as drivers of frustration by some respondents.
- A CNN poll also showed new lows for the president.
Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize…
emphasize the specific 11-point Democratic lead in congressional districts as a direct consequence of the low approval ratings
Right-leaning outlets tend to emphasize…
highlight the 'war in Iran' and specific inflationary pressures like gas prices as the catalyst for voter dissatisfaction
Centrist outlets tend to focus on…
focus on the statistical milestones of the polling data and the specific economic indicators cited by respondents
Where coverage diverges
Coverage diverges along left/right lines — see Framing tab for specifics.
About these outlets
CadNews does not determine absolute truth or endorse political viewpoints. It compares publicly available reporting, identifies shared facts, highlights framing differences, and flags uncertainty.