Voters angry at Trump: 60% blame him for high prices
AP Voter Poll shows widespread dissatisfaction with the economy and the presidency as Americans head to the polls.
By Ethan Cook ·
Voters are heading to the polls on Tuesday with a clear mandate for change. A new AP Voter Poll reveals that roughly three-quarters of Americans feel angry or dissatisfied with the direction of the country. This sentiment sets the stage for a midterm election that many see as a direct referendum on President Donald Trump’s performance over the past two years.
Economic anxiety is driving the mood. About 4 in 10 voters identify the economy as the most important issue facing the nation. Even more voters, about 6 in 10, attribute higher prices to Trump’s policies rather than external factors. This financial frustration contrasts with other concerns, as 3 in 10 voters cite democracy as their top issue, a rate well above mentions of crime, healthcare, or immigration.
The political stakes are high for control of Congress. Democrats aim to win majorities in both the House and the Senate to impose checks on the presidency. The AP Voter Poll indicates that about 70% of voters want Congress to provide more oversight. In the House, Republicans hold a slim 220-215 lead. Strategists believe Democrats are on track to take control, though the margin of victory remains uncertain.
Redistricting and partisan divides complicate the House race. Democrats are targeting more than 60 districts, including many that Trump won by double digits in the 2024 presidential election. However, deep divides between metropolitan and rural areas have reduced the number of competitive seats compared to 2018. Key battles are unfolding in Pennsylvania’s 1st District, Florida’s 22nd and 25th Districts, and districts in Virginia where incumbents face strong challenges.
The Senate race offers a rare opportunity for a full flip. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 advantage. Democrats need to win four seats in states that Trump won, including Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, Texas, and Alaska. Early results from the East Coast will provide early signals. Democrats Roy Cooper in North Carolina and Jon Ossoff in Georgia are favored, and their performance will signal whether a broader Democratic sweep is possible.
President Trump is actively engaging in the election despite not being on the ballot. He has encouraged supporters to pretend he is running. His administration is also deploying federal resources to monitor the process. The Department of Justice is sending about 1,000 staff to observe voting. In Alaska, the administration intervened after a judge rejected a lawsuit seeking to block certification of the Senate race. In California, it tried to block the counting of 20,000 ballots from people identified as likely noncitizens.
The outcome will also shape the internal dynamics of the Democratic Party. Progressives are banking on Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and other candidates to expand their influence. A loss in Michigan or Minnesota could weaken the progressive flank. Conversely, a broad victory across urban, suburban, and rural districts would keep the party identity debate open and likely lead to a contentious presidential nominating fight in 2028.
Gerrymandering has played a role in setting the stage. Trump’s push for redistricting in Texas and a similar response in California resulted in a net shift of nine seats to Republicans on paper. However, these maps relied on continued support from Latino and nonwhite voters who backed Trump in 2024. Tuesday’s results will determine whether these new boundaries benefit Republicans or prove to be a miscalculation.
