For the first time in almost a decade, registered voters in the United States have indicated a preference for the Democratic Party over the Republican Party as the better stewards of the economy, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The survey also revealed a decline in President Donald Trump's approval rating.
Conducted from Wednesday to Monday, the poll found that 37% of registered voters believe the Democratic Party has a superior approach to the U.S. economy, compared to 36% who favor the Republican Party. An additional 27% of respondents expressed uncertainty or suggested another party might perform better.
This marks a significant shift, as Republicans had maintained an advantage on economic matters through most of Trump's first term, all of President Joe Biden's tenure, and into Trump's second term. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from May 2017 had previously shown Democrats with an edge, though the question wording and response options differed.
The Republican edge has been diminishing throughout Trump's current term, narrowing to near parity in recent months. This trend appears linked to economic pressures faced by U.S. households, including rising energy prices. These increases have been attributed, in part, to the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran in February and the subsequent conflict.
President Trump has stated that the strikes were intended to neutralize Iran's nuclear program, reduce its regional influence, and encourage domestic change. However, gasoline prices have risen by more than 25% since the conflict began, with the average price per gallon increasing by over a dollar.
In terms of general election intent, the poll indicated that 42% of registered voters would vote for a Democrat in upcoming congressional elections, while 37% would vote Republican if the elections were held now. Independents showed a preference for Democrats by a 12-percentage-point margin.
Republicans are currently defending narrow majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the November 3 elections. While the poll offers insight into the national political sentiment, the actual outcomes of congressional races can be influenced by the competitiveness of individual districts and states. Only a small fraction of House seats and a limited number of Senate seats are considered highly competitive.
President Trump has previously questioned the accuracy of polls that suggest dissatisfaction with his leadership. He recently posted on his Truth Social account that his "REAL Polling Numbers" are at record highs, dismissing other polls as "Fake News Media."
The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 4,505 U.S. adults nationwide and has a margin of error of 2 percentage points.