A fresh Fox News survey reveals President Trump's overall approval rating has sunk to the lowest point of his presidency, with just 36% of registered voters approving of his job performance and 64% disapproving. The poll, conducted October 9–12 among 1,202 registered voters, carries a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points.
The downturn is particularly sharp among younger voters, lower-income households, non-white voters, and those without a college degree, according to the network's analysis. Among Republicans, 76% approve of the president, while 23% disapprove. Democratic respondents are nearly unanimous in their disapproval, with 98% against Trump and only 2% approving. Independents also lean heavily against the president: 78% disapprove versus 22% approve.
The poll highlights deep unease with the administration's economic stewardship. Only 22% of respondents approve of Trump's handling of inflation, down from 36% in a survey taken last summer. On the economy overall, 70% disapprove; on tariffs, 69% disapprove; on foreign policy, 64% disapprove; and on immigration, 56% disapprove. Border security remains the president's strongest issue, with approval and disapproval split evenly at 50% each.
The White House's 2024 reelection campaign centered on promises to lower prices, but the ongoing conflict with Iran has driven up oil prices, pushing average U.S. gas prices to $4.33 per gallon as of Wednesday—$1.25 higher than a year ago, according to AAA data.
Trump initially predicted the war would be brief, but he has struggled to find an exit strategy even as his approval numbers and GOP prospects suffer. He recently said the conflict would end after the 2026 midterms, without offering specifics. The president has also acknowledged that the Iran war could cost him the November elections, yet he has downplayed the economic pain, telling supporters during a September midterm blitz that higher gas prices are a “very inexpensive price to pay for what we’ve done.” He added that prices would soon “come tumbling down” and fall “like rocket ships in reverse.”
The survey comes as Trump intensifies his campaign schedule, including stumping for GOP candidates in Montana and other battleground states. The president has also faced criticism over his handling of international affairs, including intelligence sharing and threats to Ukraine's Starlink access. Meanwhile, his rhetoric on the campaign trail has drawn controversy, including calls for leakers to be shot at a recent Arizona rally.
With the midterms approaching, the president's sagging approval ratings could weigh heavily on Republican candidates. The poll's findings suggest that even Fox News viewers—typically a friendly audience—are beginning to sour on the administration's performance, a warning sign for the GOP as it fights to hold the House and Senate.
