Six in Ten Say Country Heading Wrong Way

According to RealClearPolitics polling averages, 60% of Americans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction.

This statistic sits alongside President Donald Trump’s current approval rating of roughly 40%. These numbers paint a difficult picture for the Republican Party as it enters the final days of the midterm election campaign.

The political situation began to shift when Trump returned to the White House. His administration immediately implemented a tariff scheme that raised prices on essential goods. The New York Federal Reserve confirmed that these tariffs drove inflation, noting that goods prices would have fallen without them.

The economic pressure intensified with the start of a war with Iran. A joint American and Israeli strike killed Iran’s Supreme Leader. Following that event, gas prices rose to a record high for this late in the calendar year.

These factors have made the upcoming elections highly competitive. Republicans are expected to lose their majority in the House. The Senate race in Georgia, which was once a potential flip, now appears out of reach for Democrats. Other Republican-held seats in Texas, Iowa, Maine, Alaska, Ohio, and Kansas are also vulnerable.

President Trump has traveled to Mississippi to campaign for Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. The state gave Trump nearly 61% of the vote in 2024 and has not elected a Democratic senator since the 1990s. However, recent polling suggests the seat is moderately competitive.

During the campaign stop, Trump addressed the necessity of his presence. "I’m here because Cindy’s doing great, but I just got to make sure. I can’t take a chance," he said.

The war with Iran has complicated the Republican message. It contradicts the party’s promise to avoid "forever" wars. Several prominent conservative figures, including Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Marjorie Taylor Greene, have broken with Trump over the conflict.

Republicans are also facing scrutiny over the administration's financial moves. The Trump administration has taken an equity stake in at least 40 American companies. Ohio Senator John Husted introduced legislation to limit the duration of these stakes to eight years.

Campaign stops are scheduled in Texas, Montana, Iowa, Alaska, Ohio, and Kansas. These visits focus on states where Republican incumbents face strong challenges. The election is set to take place in just a few days.