Democrats Overtake Republicans on Economy in Reuters/Ipsos Poll as Trump’s Approval Rating Slips
For the first time in nearly a decade, American voters have given Democrats a slight edge over Republicans on handling the U.S. economy, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released on August 3. The survey also found that President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 35%, highlighting growing public concerns over the economy ahead of November’s congressional midterm elections.
The nationwide poll, conducted online between Wednesday and Monday, suggests the political landscape has shifted as voters increasingly question the Republican Party’s stewardship of the economy. Rising energy prices and broader financial pressures on households have emerged as key issues influencing public opinion.
Democrats Take Narrow Lead on Economic Trust
According to the Reuters/Ipsos survey, 37% of registered voters said the Democratic Party is better equipped to manage the U.S. economy, while 36% favored the Republican Party. Another 27% either remained undecided or believed another political party would perform better.
Although the margin is narrow, it marks a notable political milestone. Republicans had maintained an advantage on economic issues throughout most of Donald Trump’s first presidential term, continued to lead during President Joe Biden’s administration, and retained that edge into Trump’s current term before the latest survey reversed the trend.
Reuters noted that while Democrats last held an advantage in a May 2017 survey, that poll used a different question format and did not provide respondents with the option of selecting “not sure” or another political party.
Trump’s Approval Rating Continues to Decline
The poll also pointed to weakening public support for President Trump. His overall job approval rating declined to 35%, down from 37% in the previous Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted last month.
The latest figure leaves Trump’s approval rating just one percentage point above the lowest level recorded during his current presidential term, reflecting continued challenges as voters assess his administration’s handling of economic conditions and other national issues.
The findings arrive at a politically significant time, with control of Congress set to be decided in the November midterm elections. Public confidence in economic leadership has traditionally played a major role in shaping voter preferences during national campaigns.
Poll Highlights
- 37% of registered voters favored Democrats on handling the economy.
- 36% chose Republicans as better economic managers.
- 27% remained undecided or preferred another party.
- President Trump’s approval rating fell to 35%, down from 37% last month.
- The survey marks the first time in nearly a decade that Democrats have held a lead on the economy in a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
| Key Poll Findings | Result |
|---|---|
| Democrats on economy | 37% |
| Republicans on economy | 36% |
| Undecided/Other | 27% |
| Trump approval rating | 35% |
| Previous approval rating | 37% |
Poll Signals Growing Economic Challenge for Republicans
The Reuters/Ipsos survey suggests that the Republican Party’s long-held advantage on economic issues has steadily weakened during President Donald Trump’s current term. According to the poll, the shift has coincided with rising energy costs following the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran in February and the conflict that has continued since then.
The survey found that 37% of registered voters believe Democrats have the better approach to managing the U.S. economy, while 36% backed Republicans. Another 27% of respondents said they were unsure or believed another political party would perform better.
Reuters noted that Republicans had maintained an advantage on economic stewardship throughout most of Trump’s first presidency between 2017 and 2021, during former President Joe Biden’s administration, and into Trump’s current term. The latest findings represent the first time in nearly a decade that Democrats have held an edge on the issue in a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
Rising Fuel Prices Become a Key Political Issue
The erosion in Republican support on economic matters comes as American households continue to face higher fuel costs. According to Reuters, gasoline prices have risen by more than 25% since the conflict involving Iran began, with drivers paying more than one dollar extra per gallon on average.
President Trump has defended the military action, saying the strikes were intended to dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme, reduce its ability to threaten regional rivals, and create conditions that could weaken Iran’s ruling leadership.
However, the increase in everyday living costs appears to be shaping voter sentiment ahead of the congressional elections, with economic concerns remaining among the most influential issues for American voters.
Congressional Ballot Test Favors Democrats
The survey also included a hypothetical congressional ballot, asking registered voters which party they would support if elections were held immediately.
- 42% said they would vote for Democratic candidates.
- 37% said they would back Republican candidates.
- Independent voters favored Democrats by a margin of 12 percentage points.
Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in Congress and will defend those seats during the November 3 midterm elections. Reuters noted that while national polling provides an overview of voter sentiment, the outcome will ultimately depend on competitive races across individual congressional districts and Senate contests.
Trump Rejects Negative Polling as Midterm Campaign Intensifies
President Donald Trump has repeatedly dismissed opinion polls showing declining public support for his administration. Ahead of the release of the latest Reuters/Ipsos survey, Trump defended his political standing in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“My REAL Polling Numbers, not those made up by the Fake News Media, are the best they have ever been.”
The statement came before Reuters published findings showing a decline in both Trump’s approval rating and Republican support on economic issues. The survey indicates that economic concerns remain central to the political debate as both major parties prepare for the upcoming midterm elections.
National Mood May Not Predict Every Race
Although the poll points to a shift in nationwide voter sentiment, Reuters noted that congressional elections are decided district by district and state by state. Political analysts caution that national polling does not necessarily translate into victories across every competitive seat.
Of the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, Reuters reported that only around three dozen are expected to be highly competitive. In the Senate, roughly eight races are projected to be closely contested, meaning control of Congress could ultimately depend on a relatively small number of battleground contests.
Poll Methodology
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Polling Agency | Reuters/Ipsos |
| Survey Period | Wednesday through Monday |
| Total Respondents | 4,505 U.S. adults |
| Coverage | Nationwide online survey |
| Margin of Error | ±2 percentage points |
With several months remaining before the November midterm elections, the Reuters/Ipsos findings suggest that economic performance, inflationary pressures and voter confidence could remain decisive factors as Democrats and Republicans compete for control of Congress.
