EXIT POLLS - Trump blamed for high prices

Voters rebuked Trump and his agenda, blaming him for stubbornly high prices, with a large majority unhappy about the direction of the country, according ​to voter exit polls conducted by SSRS on behalf of a consortium ​of US media outlets that included major television networks and the ⁠Associated Press.

The polls showed an electorate in an overwhelmingly sour mood. Many ​said they feel worse off than when Trump entered the White House in ​2025 and nearly 9 in 10 identified the cost of living as a crucial or major factor in their vote, signaling that the elections could prove a repudiation of Trump and ​his Republican Party.

Democratic and Republican observers review ballots during midterm elections at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center in Fairburn, Georgia, US, November 3, 2026. REUTERS/Edgar Su Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

The exit polls were released before any election results had ​been announced, but were an early barometer of voter discontent.

When Trump took office he promised to ‌fix ⁠high inflation fast, but a majority of voters said they think his policies - including the Iran war and tariffs on foreign goods - have made their economic situation worse.

Two-thirds blamed Trump for high prices, with three quarters saying they were ​either angry or ​dissatisfied with the ⁠direction of the country, suggesting a nation hungry for change. Voters also expressed concern over government corruption.

Unhappiness with Trump loomed ​over nearly all the voter responses. Seven in 10 said ​they want ⁠the US Congress to place more checks and balances on the president, with 62% disapproving of his job performance, one of the highest unfavorable rates in modern ⁠times.

The ​results suggest Trump's midterm campaign blitz on behalf ​of Republican candidates in recent weeks has done little to improve his standing with voters.
Reporting by Trevor ​Hunnicutt and Tim Reid in Washington, editing by Ross Colvin and Deepa Babington.