Voters sour on Trump economy as Democrats open 11-point midterm lead in new polling

An Emerson College poll of 1,000 likely voters conducted Sept. 21-22 found congressional Democrats leading Republicans 53% to 42% on the generic ballot, with 60% of respondents saying President Trump's economic policies are making things worse, up 14 points since April 2025. The economy now ranks as the top concern for 41% of voters, and those who name it as their top issue favor Democrats 55% to 41%, a reversal from 2024.

Independents now favor Democrats 60% to 31%, and Hispanic voters favor them 64% to 31%. Trump's approval sits at 39%, his highest disapproval mark of the term, with 56% saying his second term has gone worse than they expected.

Voter enthusiasm is high across the board at 71%, though Democrats lead at 78% compared to 66% for Republicans. Pollster Spencer Kimball said the numbers represent Trump's weakest standing across six years in office, noting his approval had actually risen during the first three years of his first term.

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