Trump Launches Midterm Campaign Amid Plummeting Approval on Economy and Cost of Living

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance kicked off an aggressive campaign schedule this week in key Republican strongholds, even as a new AP-NORC poll reveals a sharp decline in Trump’s approval ratings on economic issues. With less than six weeks to go before the midterm elections, Trump is focusing on Texas and Oklahoma to boost GOP turnout amid growing voter frustration over rising prices and the cost of living.

Poll Reveals Historic Low Approval on Economy and Inflation

The latest polling from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research paints a grim picture for President Trump’s standing with the American public. Only 17% of U.S. adults approve of his handling of the cost of living, while just 26% approve of his overall management of the economy. These figures represent some of the lowest approval ratings for Trump during his second term in office.

The poll underscores widespread dissatisfaction with inflation and price increases on everyday goods, including groceries and fuel. Many voters, including self-identified Republicans, express concern that Trump’s policies have failed to ease economic pressures despite promises for relief.

Republicans Divided on Inflation’s Causes

Among Republicans surveyed, about two-thirds attribute rising prices to factors beyond Trump’s control, such as geopolitical conflicts and global supply chain issues. However, roughly one-third explicitly blame Trump’s economic policies for the inflationary pressures. This division highlights the challenge Trump faces in uniting his party’s base as midterm elections approach.

Several GOP voters voiced frustration with what they perceive as misplaced priorities. Kristen Slaven, a mental health therapist from Gluckstadt, Mississippi, who typically votes Republican, criticized the administration’s focus on symbolic cultural issues rather than addressing economic hardships directly affecting families.

Trump and Vance Target Key States to Shore Up Support

In response to flagging enthusiasm, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance are traveling to states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida—regions once considered safe for Republicans but now facing unexpectedly tight races. Trump’s rallies are designed to energize the GOP base and encourage turnout, urging voters to “pretend I’m on the ballot” to boost Republican chances of maintaining control of Congress.

Vice President Vance is campaigning in Florida to support GOP candidates confronting stronger Democratic challenges. The White House’s push in these battlegrounds signals a recognition that the midterms could prove more competitive than initially anticipated.

Democrats Sensing Momentum in Traditionally GOP Districts

Meanwhile, Democrats are capitalizing on the GOP’s struggles by intensifying efforts in districts that have long favored Republicans. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee recently launched its first ad in a Wisconsin district held by Republicans for over three decades. Featuring nurse and first-time candidate Mitchell Berman, the ad contrasts Berman’s working-class background with the incumbent’s corporate ties, aiming to tap into voter dissatisfaction with the status quo.

The DCCC’s willingness to invest in these traditionally red areas reflects growing optimism that Democrats can pull off upset victories in the 2026 midterms, leveraging the economic discontent captured in recent polling.

As President Trump and his administration double down on campaigning, the coming weeks will test whether the GOP can overcome deepening unpopularity on economic issues and maintain their grip on Congress amid voter concerns over inflation and the cost of living.