In a recent discussion on the Politics War Room podcast, political analyst Alexander Theodoridis highlighted President Donald Trump’s troubling low approval ratings, describing them as “concerning.” His comments stemmed from a new poll by UMass Amherst, which revealed that Trump’s current approval rating is at a net -20 points—six points lower than in April. This decline is particularly significant as the midterm elections approach in November 2026, where maintaining strong support will be crucial, especially in swing states that can decisively influence election outcomes. The fluctuating approval ratings suggest an unstable voter sentiment towards the President during his tenure.
The UMass poll, conducted between July 25 and July 30, surveyed 1,000 individuals and is subject to a 3.5% margin of error. Findings indicate a notable drop in Trump’s approval among male respondents, falling from 48% in April to 39% in July. Other polls reinforce this downward trend; for instance, a YouGov survey conducted for The Times showed an increase in disapproval from 52% to 57% over the same period. This collection of data underscores a growing sentiment of dissatisfaction with Trump’s performance, present even in states he successfully won during the 2024 election.
Theodoridis pointed out that significant voter concerns stem from the Trump administration’s handling of critical issues, such as the Jeffrey Epstein case and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Both topics appear to resonate negatively with voters, as they associate the administration with chaos and instability. This perceived dissatisfaction could serve as fertile ground for the Democratic Party to make gains in upcoming elections, provided they strategically capitalize on public frustration towards the current administration and Congress.
Experts like Heath Brown, an associate professor at the City University of New York, echoed the sentiment that these low approval ratings are crucial indicators of public perception regarding the President’s actions. Such shifts in polling often lead to a loss of confidence in leadership, urging presidents to reconsider their policies in response to public sentiment. Carville’s remarks on the podcast emphasized the seriousness of the situation, labeling it as “really bad news” for Trump.
The trend in Trump’s approval ratings suggests potential volatility for the remainder of his presidency. The continual fluctuations in public opinion highlight the precarious nature of political support and the challenges the President may face in restoring confidence. Whether Trump can effectively address these negative perceptions remains uncertain, as historical precedents indicate that leaders typically must adapt to rising public discontent to regain favor.
As the 2026 midterm elections loom, all eyes will be on Trump’s ability to reverse his declining popularity. Analysts predict that the upcoming months will be critical in determining whether he can shift the public’s perception and avoid the pitfalls that past leaders have faced due to poor approval ratings. Given the current political landscape, the next steps taken by the Trump administration could significantly influence both electoral prospects and broader public trust.
