US Midterms: Voters Blame Trump For High Prices And Economic Woes, Early Exit Polls Show

US Midterm Elections 2026: Early voter surveys point to widespread dissatisfaction with the state of the nation, the economy and US President Donald Trump’s performance as Americans vote in the crucial midterm elections.

Preliminary findings from CNN’s Voter Poll indicate that voters are broadly unhappy with the country’s direction, economic conditions and Trump’s performance as president.

Early results from NBC News’ Exit Poll also suggest that many voters cast their ballots against Trump, holding him responsible for high prices and what they perceive as a weakening economy.

The Associated Press’ (AP) Voter Poll found that the cost of living and government corruption were among voters’ top concerns, while also pointing to widespread dissatisfaction

with the president. Roughly seven in 10 voters said Congress was doing “not enough” to provide checks and balances on the presidency, according to the survey.

Meanwhile, a CBS News exit poll put Trump’s approval rating at 38 per cent, reportedly the lowest recorded for a US president at the time of a midterm election in the 20 years since the network began conducting such polls.

The first polling stations have now closed in the US midterm elections, with Democrats hoping to regain control of Congress as the outcome could have significant implications for Trump’s legislative agenda.

Polling places in parts of Indiana and Kentucky were the first to close at 6 pm ET (11 pm GMT). The elections will decide all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 seats in the Senate, along with several state and local positions.