The October survey of roughly 3,494 likely voters found 59 per cent disapproved of the president's performance, while 52 per cent said they planned to vote for the Democratic candidate in the upcoming election.
Disapproval was concentrated on economic issues. On gas prices, 73 per cent of registered voters said they disapproved; on the cost of living, 69 per cent; and on the economy, 64 per cent. About 65 per cent disapproved of Mr Trump's handling of the Iran war, which has run for nearly eight months and pushed up gas and oil prices.
The figures underline the distance between the president's 2024 promises and current conditions. Mr Trump campaigned on lowering everyday costs, keeping inflation low and avoiding new wars abroad. As of 21 October, gas prices stood above $4.25 a gallon and inflation had risen to 3.7 per cent last month. His approval rating dropped two percentage points between September and October in the same poll series.
The numbers complicate Republican efforts to hold their congressional majorities. Mr Trump has been on the road campaigning for MAGA-aligned candidates, though some candidates have sought to distance themselves from a president whose economic policies have made him increasingly unpopular.
Democratic candidates have seized on cost-of-living concerns to appeal to independents and undecided voters, promising to rein in policies that have pushed up costs, such as tariffs. However, the party is still fighting against a substantial financial war chest in competitive races in Texas, Ohio, New York, Alaska and Iowa.