2018 US Politics - Congressional Approval Dropped to 18% in the Wake of the Government Shutdown (January 24)

Following a three-day Federal Government shutdown, President Trump’s approval rating stands at 37% among all Americans, down from 41% early this year. Congressional approval also dropped five points to 18% in the wake of the government shutdown. Democrats are more critical of Congress as a whole (14% approve) than Republicans (24%). Just a fifth of Independents (21%) approve of Congress. Americans continue to be more lenient when evaluating their individual representative, with 44% approving of their individuals in the House and Senate. Independents are most critical, with just one-third (34%) approving of their representatives, compared to over half (55%) of Republicans and nearly half (46%) of Democrats.

Americans report they would be more likely to vote for a Democrat candidate (38%) for Congress if the November midterm election were held today, compared to 30% who would vote for a Republican. Independents lean slightly toward voting for a Democrat (18%) compared to a Republican (14%) or a candidate from another party (13%).

Healthcare (18%), the economy (14%) and terrorism (11%) continue to be the top three concerns of Americans. Republicans and Democrats prioritize problems differently, with Republicans viewing immigration (16%), terrorism (16%), and healthcare (15%) as their top concerns. While Democrats view healthcare (24%), the economy (12%) as the top issues facing America.

These are findings from an Ipsos poll conducted for Thomson Reuters January 19-23, 2018. For the survey, a sample of 2,981 Americans, including 1,224 Democrats, 1,043 Republicans, 399 Independents ages 18+ were interviewed online.