WASHINGTON — In the latest U.S. midterm elections, economic pressures and soaring living costs emerged as the decisive factors shaping voter behavior. According to exit polls and comprehensive voter surveys, approximately 60% of voters placed the blame for stubborn inflation directly on President Donald Trump’s economic policies, rather than viewing it as a byproduct of uncontrollable global factors.

Economic Concerns Overshadow Other Issues

Data from the comprehensive "AP Voter Poll" revealed that the economy was chosen as the single most important issue by roughly 40% of participants, followed closely by the state of democracy at around 30%. Issues such as crime, healthcare, and immigration trailed significantly behind.

Additional network surveys underscored the depth of public discontent. CNN’s data showed that nearly 90% of voters considered the cost of living a "decisive" or major factor in their ballot decisions. About three-quarters of respondents evaluated the current economic climate negatively, and roughly two-thirds believed the president's policies had actively worsened the economy.

Significantly, the political landscape regarding economic trust shifted. CNN noted that Democrats held a narrow edge over Republicans on the issue of economic stewardship—a striking contrast to historical trends where Republicans typically dominated this category.

Approval Ratings Drop to Lowest Level Since 2008

Public dissatisfaction with the economy translated into historically low numbers for the executive branch. According to NBC exit polls, President Trump’s approval rating stood at 38%, while 62% disapproved. Among presidential tracking data dating back to 2008, this marks the lowest approval rating recorded for a sitting president on election day.

Discontent ran deep even among past supporters. CNN reported that roughly half of those disapproving of the administration felt "strongly" about their opposition, and approximately one-in-five voters who backed Trump in the 2024 presidential election expressed dissatisfaction with his current governance.

Although the president urged his base to treat the midterm ballot as a referendum on his leadership—with 59% of voters acknowledging his impact on their voting choice in NBC surveys—fewer than one-in-five voters in CNN's poll said they cast their congressional ballots specifically to show support for the president.

Widespread Frustration and Calls for Congressional Check

Overall sentiment across the country leaned heavily toward dissatisfaction. Roughly three-quarters of voters reported feeling either "angry" or "dissatisfied" with the direction of the country. Furthermore, about 70% stated that Congress needs to play a stronger role in checking executive power.

Foreign policy and domestic security also drew critical responses. A majority of voters in CNN's surveys deemed recent U.S. military actions involving Iran as the "wrong decision," and similarly characterized the administration's immigration enforcement measures as "too harsh."

About the Surveys

The findings are based on extensive data compiled by the research firm SSRS on behalf of a coalition of major media outlets, including the Associated Press, ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, MS NOW, and NBC. The joint project combined pre-election online and telephone surveys with exit interviews conducted across 15 states on election day, surveying roughly 100,000 voters. Final results are expected to be adjusted as vote counts are officially finalized.

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