Poll: Voters want Congress to be a check on Trump, trust Democrats more on issues

A new Strength In Numbers/Verasight survey shared with NPR suggests President Trump's party is entering the final stretch of the midterm campaign in a weak position. Voters polled between Oct. 13 and 19 give Democrats a double-digit lead for Congress, 52% to 41% among registered voters and 54% to 42% among those likely to vote. Just 34% approve of Trump's performance, while 62% disapprove.

Respondents also lean toward restraint on the White House. By 58% to 25%, they would rather elect lawmakers who serve as a counterweight to Trump than ones who help advance his agenda. A majority want Congress to rein in or reverse his positions on tariffs, health care, immigration, foreign policy and several other areas. Two in five say their vote will mainly express opposition to him.

Republicans have slipped on every issue the pollster follows. Democrats now hold a one-point trust edge on immigration, where Republicans led by an average of 15 points in May 2025, and a 47-35 edge on voters' own top concern. Prices and inflation dominate the list of worries. The poll surveyed 2,028 people.

Summarized by PolitiKool from NPR’s reporting. Read the full story at NPR →