The Financial Times survey, conducted by Focaldata among 2,275 registered voters from October 2-4, found that 59% disapprove of Trump's overall performance. His 34% approval rating remains ne
The Financial Times survey, conducted by Focaldata among 2,275 registered voters from October 2-4, found that 59% disapprove of Trump's overall performance.
His 34% approval rating remains near September's 33% reading, while more than two-thirds of respondents believe the U.S. economy is heading in the wrong direction.
Economic management received considerably weaker marks than Trump's overall performance, with inflation emerging as a particular source of dissatisfaction.
Separately, Focaldata's October polling showed Democrats holding an eight-percentage-point advantage among likely voters on the congressional generic ballot.
Although national polling cannot determine individual congressional outcomes, the findings illustrate how affordability concerns remain prominent in voters' assessments ahead of November 3.
U.S. Gas Prices Jump 41% as Diesel Exceeds $6According to AAA, regular gasoline averaged approximately $4.36 per gallon on October 12, versus roughly $3.09 a year earlier.
That represents an increase of around $1.27 per gallon.
For a driver purchasing 60 gallons monthly, the difference amounts to approximately $76 in additional fuel expenses compared with October 2025.
Diesel prices have also climbed sharply, reaching approximately $6.27 per gallon nationally.
Higher diesel costs matter beyond transportation because trucks carry food, consumer goods and industrial materials across the country.
Elevated crude prices and disruptions to Middle Eastern energy infrastructure have contributed to the increases, although refining capacity and regional fuel availability also influence pump prices.
As Coinpaper previously examined, Trump's promises of cheaper gasoline face challenges when global oil prices remain elevated.
Inflation and Midterms Put Economic Policy in FocusThe affordability concerns come despite estimates suggesting relatively strong U.S. economic growth during the third quarter.
However, GDP expansion does not necessarily translate into immediate improvements in household purchasing power, particularly when energy and housing remain expensive.
The upcoming October 14 Consumer Price Index report will offer another measure of price pressures, with economists expecting annual inflation of approximately 3.7%.
Persistent inflation could also complicate the Federal Reserve's interest-rate decisions, particularly if price pressures remain elevated alongside weakening employment conditions.
With the November 3 midterms approaching, the latest polling and gasoline figures provide two distinct indicators of economic pressure: voters' perceptions of affordability and the rising prices households are paying.
Whether those pressures ease will depend partly on developments in global energy markets and upcoming inflation data.
