President Donald Trump suggested in an interview that aired early Friday that frustration within the Republican base is directed more toward congressional Republicans than toward his own administration, as the party looks ahead to the upcoming midterm elections.
Speaking with Punchbowl News, Trump dismissed the idea that Republican voters are dissatisfied with his performance in office, instead arguing that any anger among the party’s supporters is aimed at Republican leadership in Congress.
“They’re angry at Republicans, but they’re not angry at me,” Trump said during the interview.
Trump acknowledged that a major question facing Republicans heading into November’s elections is whether the party’s supporters will be motivated to head to the polls in a year when he is not on the ballot.
“That’s the one thing I can’t tell [you]. I’m going to ask them to,” Trump said when discussing voter turnout.
He added that enthusiasm among Republican voters could hinge on whether they decide to support congressional candidates despite their frustrations with the party.
“The question is will they vote because a lot of them are very angry at Republicans,” the president said.
The comments come as recent polling has raised concerns for Republicans heading into the midterm campaign season.
A Quinnipiac University poll released last week found that 32 percent of registered voters approved of how Trump has handled his second term in office. The survey reflects one of several recent polls showing the president with relatively low approval ratings, a trend that could pose challenges for Republican candidates seeking election in November.
Another survey released last week by CNN found Democrats holding an 8-point advantage over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot.
Meanwhile, the Decision Desk HQ polling average also showed Democrats maintaining an advantage over Republicans, with Democrats leading by just more than 6 percentage points.
The polling has fueled questions about the political environment ahead of the midterms, when control of Congress will again be at stake and Republicans will seek to maintain support among their base despite signs of voter dissatisfaction.
Although Trump has publicly clashed with some Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill in recent months, particularly members of the Senate, he has also stepped up efforts to energize Republican voters as the election approaches.
The president has recently taken to the campaign trail in an effort to boost enthusiasm among GOP supporters and encourage turnout ahead of November.
On Wednesday, Trump held a rally in Las Vegas centered on promoting the “no taxes on tips” provision included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The event was part of his broader effort to highlight policies championed during his administration while encouraging Republican voters to remain engaged in the upcoming elections.
As Republicans prepare for the midterms, Trump has continued to argue that while dissatisfaction exists within the party’s base, he believes that frustration is focused on congressional Republicans rather than on his presidency, even as polls continue to show a challenging political landscape for the GOP.
