Trump’s Influence Undermines GOP Candidates in Midterm Elections, New Poll Reveals

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — A new survey reveals that President Donald Trump’s presence is increasingly seen as a hindrance for Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections, with nearly half of respondents believing his leadership has made it more difficult for conservatives to win their races.

The research, conducted by The Financial Times/Focaldata, found that 46 percent of participants felt Trump’s actions since returning to the White House in January 2025 have made it harder for GOP candidates to secure victories on November 3. This sentiment was shared by a majority of Democrats and independents, but also by 30 percent of Republican voters, indicating significant internal division within the party.

Additionally, 43 percent of all respondents believed an endorsement from Trump would be more harmful than helpful to a Republican candidate. While only 13 percent of conservatives agreed with this view, 48 percent thought such support would be ineffective. Trump’s approval rating stands at 33 percent, with even his base showing a drop from 80 percent to 72 percent since the start of his second term.

Some candidates have begun removing references to Trump from their campaign materials, while others have explicitly told his team they do not want him involved in their districts. One senior Republican working on a competitive House race stated, We’ve told them he cannot come. Candidly, he would not be helpful here.

At least 45 congressional Republicans, along with First Lady Melania Trump, have declined to attend the president’s two-day midterms conference in Dallas, Texas, citing personal obligations or a preference to focus on campaigning. Some criticized the $25,000 fee required for attendance, calling the event a waste of time.

Concerns about Trump’s rhetoric have also grown, particularly after he dismissed concerns over affordability and inflation, which are key issues for voters. GOP strategist Kevin Madden noted that Trump’s comments contradict the priorities of constituents, while another strategist, John Feehery, warned that swing voters are turned off by what he described as Trump’s personal aggrandisement.

Despite these challenges, Trump remains determined to play a central role in the GOP’s campaign messaging, insisting on being front and center in the final 30 days of the election. He recently told guests at a Rose Garden barbecue that he plans to become more active in the campaign.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)