Trump's approval rating hits new record low as US midterms loom

Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to a record low - indicating that next month's midterm elections could be punishing for the Republicans.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests that just 31% approve of the president's performance in office, a level not seen in either of his two terms.

When asked which party they would vote for if congressional elections were held today, 47% picked Democrats and 35% chose Republicans.

The figures could bolster Democratic hopes of seizing control of the House of Representatives and the Senate when Americans head to the polls on 3 November.

Mr Trump could find it harder to push through his agenda if the Republicans lose control of either chamber.

His popularity has suffered since he ordered military strikes on Iran back in February, triggering a surge in energy prices and borrowing costs.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Mr Trump has pledged to push gasoline to below $2 (£1.50) a gallon - but the national average is $4.29 (£3.22).

He had also vowed to deliver 2% mortgage rates, but the average 30-year fixed-rate currently stands at 7.4%.

Overall, 68% of Americans said they disapprove of the president's handling of the economy - including 37% who identified as Republicans.

Polls have repeatedly suggested that voters feel Mr Trump isn't paying attention to the country's most pressing problems, including the cost of living.

Truth Social posts raise eyebrows

On Monday, Mr Trump caused controversy by saying the state of New Mexico should change its name to "New America".

In a post on Truth Social, ahead of a rally in Kansas, he wrote: "We are not Mexico, we are the United States of America!"

The president has sought to enforce several geographical name changes of late, and recently ordered Lake Ontario to be referred to as "Lake America".

New Mexico's name dates to the 1600s, before the US existed, and any official change would need be made by the state itself.

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Control of Congress at stake in midterms

As the name suggests, the midterms are held in the middle of each four-year presidential term.

Early voting has been under way for weeks - and more than 100 million people are expected to cast a ballot.

The Republicans currently hold a slim 218-214 majority in the House of Representatives, and a 53-47 majority over in the Senate.

While the president and vice-president are not up for election, the midterms are often seen as a referendum on the current administration.

On 3 November, all 435 seats of the US House of Representatives will be up for grabs - as well as one-third of the 100-seat US Senate.

(c) Sky News 2026: Trump's approval rating hits new record low as US midterms loom