The latest CNN poll finds growing disillusionment among Republicans and GOP-leaning independents ahead of the 2026 midterms. About 30% now disapprove of Trump overall, while economic concerns — including gas prices, inflation and everyday costs — produce especially weak marks. Worry over a long-term conflict with Iran and dissatisfaction with Trump’s priorities and personal projects have also dented support, and overall enthusiasm has slipped from nearly 90% to 70%.
Trump’s Base Shows Growing Disillusionment Ahead Of 2026 Midterms
President Donald Trump speaks at the General Motors Proving Ground testing facility in Milford, Michigan, on July 27. - Sarah Rice/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Republican leaders are increasingly worried that core Trump supporters are losing enthusiasm ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Historically less likely to vote in contests that don’t feature Donald Trump, many in the GOP base now face additional doubts as the president’s approval among his own supporters slips.
New Polls Highlight Widespread Discontent
A recent CNN poll finds sharp pockets of dissatisfaction among Republicans and GOP-leaning independents across economic, foreign-policy and personal-priority questions. Large shares — often 30%, 40% or 50% or more — express concern or disapproval on specific issues that could depress turnout or enthusiasm.
People walk outside of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in Manhattan on Wednesday in New York City. - Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Economic Concerns Top The List
Because the economy remains voters’ top issue, the results here are especially perilous for the president and the party. Among Republicans and GOP-leaning independents surveyed:
- 64% say high gas prices have caused at least a "moderate" hardship for them;
- 56% characterize the economy as very or somewhat poor;
- 56% say Trump has not done enough to reduce the price of everyday goods;
- 56% disapprove of his handling of gas prices;
- 51% say Trump does not have a clear plan on gas prices;
- 50% say Trump's policies have not improved economic conditions (with 31% saying they have made conditions worse);
- 47% disapprove of Trump on inflation.
Worries About Iran And Foreign Policy
Views on Iran are less uniformly negative but remain troubling for the White House:
Chipped paint and algae are visible in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, after recent renovations following a directive from President Donald Trump to paint it blue ahead of the 250th anniversary of US independence, in Washington, DC, on June 21. - Aaron Schwartz/Reuters
- 64% believe a long-term war with Iran is likely;
- 45% say the human and financial toll of the conflict has not been worth it;
- 45% say Trump does not have a clear plan for Iran;
- 40% disapprove of Trump’s handling of Iran — up from 30% in March;
- 39% say his decisions about military action in Iran have hurt the U.S., while 44% say they have helped (others are neutral).
Discomfort With Priorities And Personal Projects
The poll also shows significant unease with some of Trump’s visible priorities and projects — from renovations to national landmarks to perceived personal enrichment while in office:
- 45% say Trump is not "in touch with the problems ordinary Americans face" (up from 34% in January);
- 39% say he has not paid enough attention to the country’s most important problems (up from 25% in January);
- About 30% say he has gone too far remaking institutions or pursuing personal business interests while in office;
- 30% say he does not put the good of the country over his personal gain;
- 26% are angry or dissatisfied about projects like the White House ballroom and the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool (compared with 39% positive).
Enthusiasm Is Cooling
Enthusiasm within the GOP has cooled: while nearly nine in 10 Republicans and GOP-leaning independents described themselves as "enthusiastic" or "optimistic" early in Trump’s return to office, that figure has fallen to 70%. Meanwhile, 30% now say they feel "pessimistic" or "afraid." Those negative sentiments are historically large compared with similar moments in past presidencies.
Broader Political Implications
Complementary data from Pew Research Center highlights the electoral risk: 81% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say their midterm vote would be a vote against Trump, while only 44% of Republicans and GOP-leaning independents say their vote would be explicitly for him. Signs of malaise have been building for months; the latest polls suggest disaffection has broadened across substantial portions of the GOP base at a precarious time for the party.
Bottom line: Widespread economic complaints, concerns about Iran policy, and unease over Mr. Trump’s priorities and personal projects are eroding enthusiasm among many of his expected supporters — a dynamic that could complicate GOP prospects in 2026.
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