US President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 37%, the lowest of any president heading into midterm elections in Wall Street Journal polls dating to 1990. This development comes amid broader pressures facing the Trump administration, including the ongoing conflict with Iran and economic concerns linked to rising oil prices and inflation. The drop in approval rating is seen as a significant blow to Trump's Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections.
Despite the low approval ratings, Trump has been predicting success for Republicans in the midterm elections. He will soon hit the campaign trail in deep red states, including Iowa, Florida, Texas, and Alaska, ahead of Election Day. Trump will also make a scheduled stop in Oklahoma next week. His campaign strategy focuses on pushing for candidates of his choice in these states.
The US Supreme Court has given the Trump administration the go-ahead to use a federal citizenship database to verify voters ahead of the midterm elections. In a 6-3 opinion, the Supreme Court lifted a lower court order that blocked the Department of Homeland Security from expanding a 40-year-old immigration database. This move aims to help states screen voter records for noncitizens.
Trump has characterized noncitizen voting as a pressing threat to free and fair elections. The use of the citizenship database is seen as a measure to address this issue. However, critics argue that this move may disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly those from minority communities.
The Trump administration has been involved in a conflict with Iran, which has led to a significant escalation of tensions. Trump has rejected Iran's proposal for a seven-day ceasefire, according to US officials. The US President has told aides he expects to resume bombing Iran after the November midterms.
Iran's Foreign Minister, Syed Abbas Aragchi, had offered a seven-day plan to end the conflict in West Asia. The plan would also seek to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and then begin comprehensive talks on Iran's nuclear program. However, Trump has expressed skepticism about the proposal, saying that he believes a deal can be made with Iran after the midterm elections.
The US midterm elections will take place on November 3. The elections will be a crucial test for Trump's Republican Party, as they seek to retain control of Congress. The outcome of the elections may have significant implications for Trump's presidency and the country's policy direction.
Key points
- Trump's approval rating has dropped to 37%, the lowest of any president heading into midterm elections in Wall Street Journal polls dating to 1990.
- The US Supreme Court has given the Trump administration the go-ahead to use a federal citizenship database to verify voters ahead of the midterm elections.
- Trump has rejected Iran's proposal for a seven-day ceasefire, and the conflict between the two countries remains a major challenge for his administration.
