Key facts
- Republicans trail Democrats on all but one issue, crime, in recent polls.
- Democrats hold a two-point lead over Republicans on immigration, reversing a previous Republican advantage.
- Republicans are now nine points behind Democrats on the economy, down from a one-point lead in April.
- President Trump's approval rating has fallen to a new low, with most Americans believing he uses the presidency to enrich himself.
As the US midterm elections approach, Donald Trump and his allies are reportedly attempting to shift the public's attention away from critical issues such as the economy and immigration. Recent polling suggests that the Republican party is struggling to gain traction on these fronts, with Democrats holding an advantage on most issues except crime. The Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey indicates that President Trump's approval rating has hit a new low, and a majority of Americans believe he is using the presidency for personal gain. The report highlights that on the economy, Republicans have significantly lost ground, now trailing Democrats by nine points, a reversal from a one-point lead in April. Similarly, on immigration, a key focus for the Trump administration, Democrats now lead by two points. Despite these challenges, Republicans are employing tactics such as promoting fears of communism within the Democratic party and proposing economic incentives like a $5,000 "Trump dividend."