Trump Disapproval Hits 60% as Democrats Lead Congressional Race by 7 Points

Donald Trump’s disapproval rating reached a historic high of 60% in a national survey conducted between October 28 and 30, 2026. This figure marks the lowest point in his two terms according to NBC News data. His approval rating currently stands at 40%. The survey indicates that registered voters favor a Democratic-controlled Congress by a 7-point margin.

Specific numbers show Democrats leading Republicans 52% to 45% in the preference for congressional control. This is a 2-point increase from the previous month. The gap widens to 21 points among independent voters. Only 3% of respondents remained undecided. Jeff Horwitt of Hart Research Associates described the current political moment as a clash between the promises made two years ago and the dangers facing the nation in the next two days.

Economic dissatisfaction drives much of the voter sentiment. Approximately three-quarters of voters arrived at the midterms dissatisfied with the economy. Nearly two-thirds demanded a change in the country's direction, with 50% calling for a profound shift. This is the highest level recorded in the poll's history. For the first time in 30 years, more voters (51%) are dissatisfied with their financial situation than satisfied (49%). Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies noted that Democrats currently control the agenda for 2026.

Voters identify inflation and the cost of living as the top national problems. They are followed by government corruption, threats to democracy, immigration, and border security. The 70% of voters who believe the country is moving in the wrong direction represents a 9-point jump from the previous year. Sixty-four percent of all voters, including one-third of Trump supporters, stated the president has not met their expectations. Only 34% believe he has.

Republican support is fracturing along specific lines. Among self-identified MAGA Republicans, Trump’s approval remains high at 93%. However, his approval among other Republicans has dropped to 54%, with 46% disapproving. Twenty percent of these non-MAGA Republicans now prefer Democratic control of Congress. The party is divided on the nation's direction, with 48% saying it is wrong and 43% saying it is right. This contrasts with last year, when 75% of Republicans said the country was on the right path.

Democrats face challenges despite their lead. The party holds a negative image, with only 29% of voters holding a favorable opinion. This compares to 38% for Republicans. Nearly half of all voters view both parties negatively. Republicans maintain a 2-point advantage in economic management, though this has shrunk from double digits in recent years. Democrats hold a 1-point advantage on inflation management. In key states that Trump won in 2024, his approval is negative, with 53% disapproving of his job performance compared to 47% who approve.

Voter enthusiasm for the midterms is high. Seventy percent of respondents rated their interest in the elections a 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale. Democrats hold a 12-point advantage among the most committed voters. Republicans lead by 2 points among less interested voters. The race for the Senate will require Democrats to win at least two states where Trump won by double digits in 2024. House Speaker Mike Johnson holds the highest favorable rating among congressional leaders at 24%, while 34% view him negatively.