Over the years, amid the scandals, lawsuits, and cases US President Donald Trump has faced, many have given him the moniker “Teflon Don”, a reference to old-school gangster John Gotti, whom authorities struggled to prosecute.
In the same way, Trump has seemingly weathered most of the controversies he has faced, both reputational and legal, largely unscathed, whether with grace or not is debatable.
Is Trump’s Luck Finally Running Out?
President Donald J. Trump speaks to the press during a presentation of the Religious Liberty Commission Report in the Oval Office, Friday, June 26, 2026. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)
If opinion and approval polls are any indication, Trump may be at the brink of finally falling off the proverbial cliff.
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll put the president’s approval rating at 32%, the lowest it has fallen in Trump’s political career.
Trump’s approval ratings have largely declined since last year, with Reuters/Ipsos recording 47% in January 2025.
By May of the same year, the figure fell to 44% and dropped further to 41% in December.
After a quick rise to 42% in January 2026, the president’s approval ratings have been in the mid-30s since April, with an all-time low of 33% at the end of August.
By comparison, former president Joe Biden’s lowest approval rating was 35.6%, and Trump’s own approval rating after his first term stood at 38.6%.
Many Former Supporters Turn Their Backs
The loss of confidence in Trump and his policies – the aggressive ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations, the war in Iran, and the increase in gas prices and cost of living – may have a devastating effect on the Republican ticket in the upcoming midterm elections in November.
Another poll by NBC/Telemundo shows that Latino voters – many of whom initially supported Trump for aggressive and stricter immigration policies – have now indicated a stronger support for Democrats running in the midterm elections.
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer departs after conducting aerial refueling with a 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Oct. 25, 2019. The B-1B flew directly from its home station of Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., demonstrating the U.S. Air Force’s ability to rapidly deploy strategic bombers anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Russ Scalf)
The poll pointed to the president’s overall performance and the steep rise in prices – especially at the pump – as the primary drivers of many Latinos’ change of heart.
While many still said that they continue to support stricter immigration policies, many also said that the Trump administration had gone too far in its immigration enforcement, which many believe focuses on non-violent offenders rather than the criminals and gang members Trump claimed to have infiltrated American society.
Dissent in the Ranks
Even among the ranks of Republicans – with whom Trump previously enjoyed almost manic and fanatical support – the president’s original appeal seems to be losing its value.
In California, for example, Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate for governor, has tried to distance himself from Trump despite receiving his endorsement.
Instead of addressing national issues such as immigration, Hilton has kept his campaign focused on what he says are California-specific issues.
Hilton, a US citizen who immigrated from the United Kingdom, has also said he disagrees with Trump on several issues, particularly the president’s claim that the 2020 election was rigged in favor of former President Biden.
The Iran War is another Thorn in the President’s Side
Another point of contention with Republicans is the continued war in Iran, which the president and his supporters staunchly defend.
However, the war’s effect on fuel prices and other daily commodities has not sat well with many Republicans, as many of their constituents struggle to make ends meet.
The current Republican candidate for Senate for the state of Michigan, Mike Rogers, said in a campaign video that the war in Iran needs to end as soon and as quickly as possible.
Ashley Hinson, who is running as the Republican Senate candidate in Iowa, said on X that the “war [in Iran] needs to be brought to a successful and immediate end.”
November 3 Will Set a Precedent
Historically, unpopular presidents tend to lose more seats in the House and Senate, which Republicans currently hold by a thin margin.
Gallup reports that presidents with sub-50% approval ratings lose an average of 37 House seats during midterm elections.
With Trump’s approval at an all-time low, it may just happen.
Still, it remains to be seen whether the president, in his element as he campaigns hard for Republican candidates across the country, still has his touch when the votes start counting after this year’s November 3 polls.
About the Author: Tim Ramos
Tim Ramos has written for various publications, corporations, and organizations, covering finance, politics, travel, entertainment, and sports in Asia and the U.S. for more than 10 years.
