President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to its lowest level in either of his two terms in office, according to a new Fox News poll released just weeks before the November midterm elections.
The survey, released Oct. 14, found that 36% of registered voters approve of Trump's job performance, while 64% disapprove. The numbers show a decline from his 39% approval rating in September.
The poll, conducted Oct. 9-12 by Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research, surveyed 1,202 registered voters nationwide and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.
Economy, inflation weigh heavily on voters
The economy continues to be a major issue for voters.
According to the survey, 60% of voters identified the cost of living as their biggest economic concern, far outpacing
government spending at 15%, jobs and income inequality at 7% each, tariffs at 6% and taxes at 5%.
Nearly three-quarters of voters, 74%, rated the economy negatively, while 53% said they expect economic conditions to worsen over the next year. Additionally, 66% expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the country.
Only 18% of voters said their families are financially better off than they were two years ago.
Inflation remains another significant concern.
A majority of voters, 55%, said inflation is not at all under control, up from 45% earlier this year. That includes 30% of Republican voters.
More voters would support Democratic candidates, poll finds
The poll also suggests Democrats have gained ground in the battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
If the election were held today, 54% of registered voters said they would support the Democratic candidate in their congressional district, compared with 45% who would back the Republican candidate.
That nine-point advantage is wider than the previous month, when Democrats led Republicans 51% to 44%.
Both parties are viewed negatively
Despite the Democratic advantage in congressional preferences, neither political party is viewed particularly favorably by voters.
According to the poll, 42% of voters have a favorable opinion of the Democratic Party, compared with 58% who view it unfavorably.
Republicans received slightly lower ratings, with 38% expressing a favorable opinion of the GOP and 61% holding an unfavorable view.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Fox News poll shows Trump approval at new low ahead of midterms
