President Donald Trump faces a steep decline in public support as a new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that 65 percent of Americans disapprove of his job performance following the midterm elections.
Conducted from November 6-9, the survey indicates that voter animosity toward the administration remains deep. Only 32 percent of respondents expressed approval of Trump’s handling of presidential duties, placing his numbers near a record low.
That 32 percent approval rating sits just one point higher than the 31 percent figure recorded in a mid-October Reuters/Ipsos survey. Polarization around the president’s tenure remains stark, with 50 percent of respondents stating they strongly disapprove, compared to just 11 percent who strongly approve.
Other recent national surveys reflect the same dynamic. An Economist/YouGov poll published earlier in November similarly found that 32 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, while 63 percent disapprove. Within that survey, 64 percent of respondents described the current political moment as a turning point in U.S. history.
As control of Congress shifts, the Reuters/Ipsos poll highlights distinct legislative priorities that voters want Democrats to pursue. Sixty-seven percent of respondents said the incoming Congress should focus on lowering health care costs. Meanwhile, 62 percent pointed to ending the war in Iran as a primary area for attention, while 52 percent emphasized the need to regulate artificial intelligence.
Voters remain divided over congressional oversight of the executive branch. Thirty-nine percent of respondents said lawmakers should devote some or a lot of focus to investigating the Trump administration, while 40 percent opposed such inquiries. An additional 18 percent backed Democrats placing some focus on White House investigations.
The administration has indicated that it could open Justice Department investigations of its own against Democratic lawmakers if they pursue inquiries into the White House’s actions. Responding to those threats, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-California) renewed his vow to pursue such investigations, suggesting the administration’s threats indicated they had “something to hide.”
“Something to hide,” said Rep. Robert Garcia.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed respondents between November 6 and November 9.
