Democrats Overtake Republicans on Economy for First Time in Decade as Trump Approval Slides
WASHINGTON — In a historic shift in public sentiment, Americans now trust the Democratic Party over the Republican Party to handle the U.S. economy, marking the first time the Democrats have held this advantage in nearly a decade.
According to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll released on August 3, 2026, Democrats lead Republicans 37% to 36% when voters were asked who would be the better steward of the nation’s financial system.
The economic shift arrives alongside a broader slump for the administration. President Donald Trump’s overall approval rating has dropped to 35%, down from 37% just last month.
Key Findings from the Reuters/Ipsos Poll
- Economic Stewardship: Democrats lead Republicans by 1 percentage point (37% to 36%).
- Congressional Ballot Test: Registered voters favor Democrats over Republicans 42% to 37% for the upcoming congressional elections.
- Presidential Approval: Donald Trump’s approval rating slides to 35%.
Energy Costs and War Weigh on Voters
The polling data, collected from Wednesday through Monday, highlights how mounting economic pressures are reshaping the political landscape. Voters are growing increasingly weary of inflation and rising energy prices, which have spiked significantly following market disruptions tied to the ongoing Iran war.
With control of Congress hanging in the balance for the next two years, the erosion of the traditional Republican advantage on economic growth poses a major threat to the party’s chances in the crucial November midterm elections.
