Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump is facing a challenging political landscape as he marks a year of consistently low approval ratings, raising questions about his prospects just months ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Data analyst Harry Enten revealed the dismal milestone during a recent segment on CNN, highlighting that Trump’s polling has remained underwater for 365 consecutive days.
On March 11, 2026, Enten presented evidence that Trump’s net approval rating has plunged significantly, particularly among independent voters, where it sits at a staggering -38 points. This rating is notably worse than those of past presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama at comparable stages in their second terms. According to Enten, this sharp decline among key voter demographics points to severe electoral challenges for the Republican Party.
A recent Fox News poll adds to the woes, revealing that 60 percent of Americans believe the Trump administration is misaligned with their priorities. The sentiment is even stronger among independents, with 78 percent expressing dissatisfaction. Enten emphasized the significance of these numbers, describing the situation as a major red flag for Trump and the GOP.
Enten’s analysis is part of a broader examination of the political climate during Trump’s second term, which has seen a steady decline in approval ratings. In a previous report from November 2025, he noted that Trump’s approval among independents had decreased dramatically over the year—plummeting from -4 points in January to -43 points by November—a downward trend that Enten deemed catastrophic for the administration.
Moreover, Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda has not garnered the support he had hoped for. A review of polling data from mid-2025 showed net approval ratings for his significant tax-and-spending bill, dubbed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” ranging from -19 to -29 points. This legislation passed the Senate with a narrow 51-50 margin, aided by a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance.
Vance, who has been increasingly visible throughout Trump’s presidency, serves as a key defender and has taken on significant fundraising responsibilities as the finance chairman for the Republican National Committee. His prominence underscores the political stakes as the party approaches the midterms, where prediction markets suggest Democrats could gain control of both the House and Senate—an outcome that could reshape the remainder of Trump’s presidency.
Amid the turbulence, there are glimmers of support for Trump within his own party. An impressive 86 percent of Republicans express approval of his performance, marking the highest level for a sitting president in the 21st century at this point in their presidency. Strong support, particularly among loyalists, reflects a base that continues to rally around him even in the face of broader electoral challenges.
Trump’s foreign policy ratings also present a relative advantage, with a 43 percent approval rating—higher than both Bush and Obama during similar periods. This support is largely attributed to his management of the Israel-Hamas conflict, offering the president a degree of political capital as he grapples with domestic issues.
As Trump completes one year of negative approval ratings, the implications for the Republican Party are significant. Analysts suggest that unless the tide shifts, the upcoming midterm elections could lead to substantial losses for the GOP. Enten’s findings imply that what Trump envisioned as a landmark achievement could instead become a catalyst for Democratic gains in the upcoming elections.