President Donald Trump's approval rating has hit near record lows, with only 36% of Americans approving of his performance, according to the latest Economist/YouGov poll released on July 21.
Why it matters: Trump's declining approval ratings could significantly affect the upcoming midterm elections, as Democrats appear to be gaining ground in the Congressional race.
Trump's net approval stands at -24%, just two points above his worst recorded ratings during his presidency.
The poll shows that 52% of respondents believe Trump is too old to serve as president, a notable increase of 12 percentage points since January.
Democrats currently lead Republicans by 5 points in a generic Congressional ballot, indicating a potential shift in voter sentiment ahead of November.
Driving the news: Conducted between July 17 and July 20, the poll gathered responses from 1,602 individuals, with a margin of error of ±3.3 percentage points.
Trump's approval rating is lower than the lowest recorded net approval of former President Joe Biden, which was -23%.
Among key issues, 54% of respondents disapprove of Trump's handling of immigration, a topic that has historically been one of his strengths.
47% of Americans describe the current state of the U.S. economy as poor, the highest level of dissatisfaction reported since 2023.
State of play: The poll results highlight a growing concern among voters about Trump's leadership capabilities and personal attributes.
60% of Americans say Trump is not honest or trustworthy, and 58% believe he lacks the temperament necessary for the presidency.
62% feel that Trump does not care about people like them, with 51% stating he doesn't care at all.
In terms of personal descriptors, 52% of Americans view Trump as "dangerous," and 49% label him as "corrupt."
The big picture: Trump's declining popularity is part of a broader trend affecting his party as they prepare for the midterm elections.
Polling analyst Harry Enten noted that Trump's net approval rating among independents is at a staggering -45 points, the worst recorded for any second-term president in recent history.
Historically, low approval ratings have led to challenging midterm elections for the party in power, as seen during the presidencies of George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
Democratic strategist Christina Reynolds emphasized that Trump's unawareness of his standing could hinder Republican candidates in tight races.
What they're saying: Analysts and political strategists are weighing in on the implications of Trump's low approval ratings.
"Trump's numbers are horrible," said CNN's Harry Enten, highlighting the severity of Trump's situation compared to past presidents.
Reynolds pointed out that Trump's focus on irrelevant topics, rather than pressing voter concerns, is detrimental to his party's chances in the upcoming elections.
Polling data indicates that voters are increasingly dissatisfied with both Trump and the Democratic Party, complicating the electoral prospects for both sides.
By the numbers: Recent polling data provides insight into voter sentiment and approval ratings.
According to the Washington Post/Ipsos poll conducted July 8-13, Trump's approval rating was at 37%, with a disapproval rating of 61%.
In a CNBC survey, Trump had a net approval rating of -19 points, indicating a consistent pattern of negative perceptions.
Polling averages show Trump with a 39% approval rating and 58% disapproval as of July 21.
Between the lines: The dynamics of the midterm elections are shifting, influenced by Trump's unpopularity.
Trump's approval ratings have been net negative for over a year, with a trend that has worsened in recent months.
Democrats are capitalizing on Trump's weaknesses, as evidenced by their lead in various polls, including Ipsos/Washington Post and CNBC.
Trump's challenges resonate particularly among independent voters, who are increasingly distancing themselves from him.
What's next: As the midterm elections approach, the political climate remains uncertain.
Many analysts predict that rising inflation and economic concerns will continue to impact voter attitudes as the elections draw closer.
With less than four months until the midterms, Trump's ability to recover his approval ratings will be closely monitored.
Democrats are looking to maintain their momentum and capitalize on Trump's unpopularity to secure victories in key races.
As political analysts continue to assess the implications of these polling trends, the upcoming months will be a decisive period for both Trump and the Republican Party.