# Trump's economy hurt rating threatens GOP in midterms

> A new poll shows voters blame Trump for high prices, but Republicans have geography on their side in November's competitive midterm elections.
- Title: Trump's economy hurt rating threatens GOP in midterms
- Summary: A new poll shows voters blame Trump for high prices, but Republicans have geography on their side in November's competitive midterm elections. Trump's…
- Keywords: trump, midterm elections 2026, economy, approval rating, republicans, democrats, congress, nbc news poll, inflation, iran war, politics, news
- Source: NBC News — https://nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/poll-voters-say-trump-hurt-economy-competitive-midterm-election-looms-rcna597868
- Author: Ben Kamisar
- Published: 2026-09-20T13:00:42+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: trump, midterm elections 2026, economy, approval rating, republicans, democrats, congress, nbc news poll, inflation, iran war, politics, news
## Trump's approval hits second-term low
The president's approval rating stands at 41% among registered voters, marking his lowest point in the NBC News poll during his second term.
## Majority blames Trump for economic pain
55% of voters say Trump's policies have hurt the economy, up from 48% in March after the Iran war pushed up gas prices and cemented inflation as the top voter concern.
## Democrats lead in generic ballot
Democrats hold a 5-point edge in the battle for control of Congress, 50%-45%, though this is far smaller than the 12-point advantage they had before the 2018 midterms.
## Democrats viewed more negatively than GOP
Despite their polling lead, the Democratic Party is viewed more negatively than Trump and the Republican Party, which could help Republicans in November.
## Geography favors Republicans in Senate
The Senate fight is playing out in traditionally Republican states. Democrats would need to flip multiple states Trump won by double digits in 2024 to take control.

> Republicans are still standing because of the geography in which this election will be won or lost.
## Key takeaway

Trump's sinking approval rating and voter anger over the economy pose a real threat to Republicans, but the party's advantage in traditionally Republican states could still help them hold power.