Trump's Midterm Push: Executive Orders, Campaign Funding, and Controversial Remarks

As the 2026 midterm elections draw near, Donald Trump's campaign tactics and overall standing are under intense scrutiny, particularly amid his significantly diminished approval ratings. Recent polls, including those from Reuters/Ipsos and CBS/YouGov, indicate his approval ratings have fallen to a record low of approximately 31-32% in early October 2026, marking a steady decline throughout 2025 and 2026. This dip in popularity is raising considerable concerns among Republicans, as historical trends suggest the incumbent president's party often faces losses in midterms with such low approval.

Furthermore, the Trump campaign is facing legal challenges regarding its funding practices. The Campaign Legal Center (CLC) filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in September 2026, alleging that President Trump illegally controlled and directed spending by "MAGA Inc.," a super PAC that amassed over $400 million, potentially violating federal campaign finance laws. Separately, the administration is under investigation for allegedly misusing taxpayer funds for political advertisements. Senator Jack Reed and California Attorney General Rob Bonta have highlighted concerns that these ads, some nearly identical to Trump's 2024 campaign materials, are partisan propaganda paid for by the U.S. government.

Trump's campaign strategy for the midterms also includes an aggressive schedule of rallies where he encourages voters to view the election as a referendum on his presidency, despite some Republican candidates reportedly attempting to distance themselves. His rhetoric frequently touches on controversial social issues, immigration, and his administration's handling of the economy and the ongoing war with Iran, which are factors contributing to public discontent and his low approval numbers. Critics also point to the administration's alleged efforts to undermine election integrity through disinformation, cuts to election security infrastructure, and attempts to manipulate voting rules ahead of the elections.