Trump hits record-low 38% approval in 2026 midterm exit polls, CBS reports

• Roughly six in 10 voters said Trump influenced their House vote, with opposition to him motivating many Democratic voters.
• About three-quarters of voters expressed dissatisfaction with the country's direction.
• The economy, cost of living and democracy emerged as major voting issues.

US President Donald Trump is heading into the 2026 midterm elections with a 38% approval rating, according to early exit polls reported by CBS News, potentially marking the lowest approval rating recorded for a US president in midterm election exit polling.

The figure is also lower than Trump's approval rating during his first term, pointing to continued dissatisfaction with his leadership as Republicans face voters in an election that could reshape control of Congress.

The exit poll also suggests that Trump is playing a significant role in voters' decisions, despite not appearing on the ballot himself. Roughly six in 10 voters said the president was a factor in their choice for the House of Representatives, with opposition to Trump largely driving those backing Democratic candidates, CBS reported.

The findings point to widespread dissatisfaction with the direction of the country. About three-quarters of voters said they were dissatisfied with its direction, while more expressed anger over the state of the country than in the 2024 election. Economic concerns, particularly the rising cost of living, featured prominently in voters' assessments.

According to CBS, voters were more than twice as likely to say their personal finances had worsened rather than improved. The economy ranked as the most important issue for voters, followed by the state of democracy, while concerns about government corruption also emerged as a major factor in their decisions.

The findings come amid months of declining approval ratings for Trump. A Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Nov. 2 put his approval at 32%, close to the record low of 31% recorded in October. The same survey found Democrats leading Republicans 46% to 38% on the generic congressional ballot, although the gap had narrowed from the previous week. 

The 2026 midterms are being closely watched as a referendum on Trump's presidency, with Republicans defending their congressional majorities. A Democratic takeover of either chamber would significantly complicate Trump's legislative agenda during the final two years of his term.

CBS noted that the exit poll results were preliminary and would continue to be updated as more data became available. The survey interviewed thousands of voters at polling locations on Election Day and included voters interviewed in the weeks leading up to the election.

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