Two-Thirds of Voters Say Trump Policies Have Worsened the Economy

The outcome of the November midterm elections will determine the political trajectory of Donald Trump's remaining two years in office.

If Republicans lose control of Congress, the administration faces a likely surge in Democratic-led investigations. These probes would target the president's business dealings, personnel conduct, and specific policies, potentially leading to another impeachment bid. The political focus would also shift toward the 2028 presidential race.

Voter sentiment toward the president’s economic performance is largely negative. According to the AP Voter Poll, approximately two-thirds of voters nationally believe Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions. Only about 30 percent said his policies have improved the economy. Similarly, two-thirds of respondents stated that tariff policies have hurt the national economy or their local area.

General views on Trump's leadership and priorities are also unfavorable. More than half of voters said Trump is not a strong leader and does not fight for people like them. About 60 percent of voters indicated that Trump places higher priority on his own personal interests than on the country’s interests, while about 40 percent said the opposite. Many voters also expressed doubts about his mental capability to serve effectively.

Democratic leaders have outlined specific targets for inquiry if they secure a majority. California Rep. Robert Garcia, who would lead the House Oversight Committee, plans to examine immigration and detention policies. He recently visited an Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in southern California to outline his agenda. Other priorities include the Trump family’s business dealings and the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Democrats would have subpoena powers and committee control to compel responses from the White House.

Trump has campaigned aggressively to retain Republican majorities, spending time in conservative states and holding a two-day Republican convention in Dallas. He promised to send $5,000 to every adult if his party wins. In recent remarks, he defended his veto power and noted that he has experience with impeachment proceedings. He told reporters last week that if Democrats take power, he would use his strong veto to work out deals.

The president's campaign strategy involved a series of rallies and a closing speech at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. During his final hourlong address, he focused on beautification projects in Washington, D.C. He also made claims about data centers and affordability, stating that affordability is a hoax made up by Democrats. His comments often drifted to topics such as the physical appearances of certain candidates, including Ohio Sen. Jon Husted.