President Donald Trump has privately acknowledged to advisers that some of his decisions may have contributed to the challenging political environment facing the Republican Party. This admission comes as the nation approaches the critical November midterm elections. The Washington Post, citing individuals familiar with the president’s recent comments, reported on these internal discussions. The private insights emerge amidst recent national polling data that suggests a difficult landscape for Republican candidates seeking control of Congress.
"definitely feels like some of his decisions have led to the dynamics where he’s unpopular and things aren’t looking great for the midterms.”" Person Close to President Trump, Unnamed
Publicly, President Trump has urged his supporters to engage with the upcoming 2026 elections as though his own name were on the ballot, emphasizing the importance of securing Republican majorities. However, people familiar with his private conversations indicate that the president has become increasingly aware of the significant hurdles confronting his party. One individual close to President Trump conveyed that the president “definitely feels like some of his decisions have led to the dynamics where he’s unpopular and things aren’t looking great for the midterms.” This candid assessment from within his inner circle underscores a growing recognition of the political realities.
The Washington Post report further detailed that President Trump has received increasingly blunt assessments from his advisers. These discussions have reportedly led him to indicate an understanding that certain past decisions, including those surrounding the Iran war, have played a role in shaping the current political climate Republicans now confront. The newspaper’s account was based on information from four people familiar with President Trump’s recent remarks, highlighting the depth of these internal contemplations.
These private acknowledgments coincide with the release of a new NBC News poll, which offers a sobering snapshot of the national political mood. The survey reveals President Trump with a 41% job approval rating among registered voters. This figure represents the lowest approval level of his second term recorded in that particular poll. Conversely, 56% of registered voters expressed disapproval of his performance.
The NBC News poll also delved into public perception of the economy. It found that a majority, 55% of registered voters, believe President Trump’s policies have negatively impacted the economy. In contrast, only 26% of respondents felt his policies had helped, while 18% believed they made little difference. The survey, conducted through telephone interviews and online surveys via text message, polled 1,000 registered voters from September 11 through September 15. It carried a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
Regarding the generic congressional ballot, a key indicator for overall party preference, the poll showed 50% of respondents favoring Democratic control of Congress. Republicans garnered 45% support. This five-point difference, while favoring Democrats, is narrower than the 12-point advantage NBC measured at a comparable point before the 2018 midterm elections. Furthermore, the poll explored voter motivation, finding that 43% of registered voters viewed their congressional vote as a signal of opposition to President Trump, while 27% said their vote would signal support for him. Another 28% indicated their vote would not be a signal either way.
Beyond national trends, Republicans and Democrats are engaged in intense competition across several closely watched Senate races. In Alaska, an AARP survey released on September 17 indicated Democratic candidate Mary Peltola holding a lead with 46% among likely voters, compared to Republican Senator Dan Sullivan at 41%. The Daily Mail reported that this poll showed Senator Sullivan performing more strongly among voters aged 50 and older. Similarly, in North Carolina, a Carolina Journal poll released on the same day found former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper at approximately 49% and Republican Michael Whatley at 34%, with roughly 12% of voters undecided. These individual surveys provide snapshots of voter sentiment at the time they were conducted, rather than predicting final election outcomes.
Despite these internal acknowledgments and challenging poll numbers, President Trump has maintained an active role in campaigning for Republican candidates. He continues to direct political resources toward congressional races, emphasizing the high stakes as both parties vie for control of the House and Senate. The midterm elections are officially scheduled for November 3, with the results poised to significantly shape the remainder of President Trump’s second term.
