Two-thirds of Americans say country is headed in the wrong direction: Poll
Two-thirds of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, according to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll conducted in May 2026. President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 37%, with disapproval reaching a record high of 62%, driven by concerns over the economy and the Iran conflict. While Democrats hold a slight lead in the upcoming midterms, they are not significantly pulling ahead despite widespread dissatisfaction with Trump's performance.
- ▪Two-thirds of Americans say the country is headed in the wrong direction.
- ▪President Donald Trump's approval rating is 37%, with a 62% disapproval rating, the highest of his presidency.
- ▪Majorities disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy (65%), inflation (72%), cost of living (76%), and Iran (66%).
- ▪Democrats hold a 5-point lead over Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.
- ▪Only 25% of independents approve of Trump, a record low across both of his terms.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onTwo-thirds of Americans say country is headed in the wrong direction: ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos pollConcerns over the economy and Iran impact Trump's approval ratings.ByEmily GuskinMay 3, 2026, 12:03 AM1:10President Donald Trump departs the White House, May 1, 2026 in Washington.Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/ShutterstockAs the Iran war has pushed the global economy into an oil crisis and gas prices reach a four-year high, Americans' ratings of President Donald Trump on several issues are deeply underwater with majorities disapproving of how he is handling every issue measured, according to an ABC…
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