Polls Indicate Voter Disapproval of Trump's $5,000 Midterm Proposal

<figure><img alt="FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to sign executive orders related to beef, in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 4, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/KKQFVKZVPNHQZJKCVUNTTEQIOA.JPG?auth=b55622009d48b619b3caf106a6475694150e1ad7931a51efcb6da72a22725fd0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6500&amp;height=3656" /><figcaption>Evelyn Hockstein / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Donald Trump’s proposal to provide a $5,000 payout to every adult American if Republicans retain control of Congress is facing significant disapproval among voters, according to recent polls. The proposal was announced during the GOP’s midterm convention in Dallas, aimed at energizing Republican support ahead of the November 3 elections, and could potentially increase the national debt by $1.35 trillion.</p><p>An NBC News poll conducted from September 11 to 15 with 1,000 registered voters found that 46 percent of respondents indicated they would be less likely to support a candidate who endorsed the plan, while only 21 percent said it would make them more likely to do so. Among independent voters, 45 percent expressed that they would be less likely to back a candidate supporting the proposal.</p><p>A separate Reuters/Ipsos survey of 1,143 Americans revealed that 63 percent disapproved of Trump’s dividend proposal, including 40 percent of Republicans and 90 percent of Democrats. The proposal has been characterized as a last-ditch effort by Trump to bolster support for the GOP in light of challenging midterm conditions, particularly due to his administration's unpopular military actions in Iran.</p><p>Since the conflict began in February without congressional approval, energy prices have surged, with AAA reporting the national average for regular gasoline at approximately $4.48 per gallon, up from $4.14 over Labor Day weekend, and diesel prices reaching a record $6.49 per gallon. The NBC News poll indicated that 55 percent of voters believe Trump’s policies have negatively impacted the economy, an increase from 48 percent in March.</p><p>More than 60 percent of voters stated that the war in Iran has not been justified, and 57 percent indicated they would be less likely to support a candidate who backs the conflict. The polling results show that Democrats currently have a 4-point advantage over Republicans regarding trust to handle the war, a margin that falls within the poll's margin of error.</p><p>On economic management, Republicans and Democrats are nearly tied, with only a 1-point difference, marking a significant shift from three years ago when Republicans held a 21-point advantage. Democrats also led by 7 points on controlling inflation.</p><p>Trump’s approval ratings have declined, with only 41 percent of registered voters approving of his performance, compared to 56 percent who disapprove. The poll also indicated that 52 percent of voters would be less likely to support a congressional candidate endorsed by Trump, and 43 percent said their vote would signal opposition to the president, a sentiment that rises to 46 percent among independents.</p><p>Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt noted that Trump has made the election significantly about himself, resulting in a high percentage of voters indicating their opposition to him. Currently, Democrats hold a 5-point lead on the generic congressional ballot, with 50 percent supporting Democrats and 45 percent supporting Republicans. Analysts suggest that Republicans may lose control of the House, and the Senate may also be at risk.</p><p>Republican strategist Doug Heye acknowledged the challenges facing the party, stating that Republicans are aware of the difficult position they are in. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comments on these developments.</p>