Pollster Warns Trump's Midterm Strategy Could Backfire for GOP

Republican pollster Frank Luntz has described President Donald Trump's approach to the upcoming midterm elections as "dangerous," pointing to signs of weak enthusiasm among GOP voters and the president's low approval ratings.

Speaking on CNN's "CNN This Morning" with Audie Cornish on Monday, Luntz noted that the party not in power typically performs well in midterms, especially in a president's first term. He said that pattern is visible now, with Republican voters showing an energy deficit that Trump is attempting to fix.

Luntz explained that Trump has repeatedly urged Republicans to campaign as though his name were on the ballot in November. According to Luntz, the president's base turns out in large numbers during presidential election years, as seen in 2016 and 2024, but not during midterms such as 2018, or even in 2022 when Joe Biden was president.

"His numbers, his support is not as strong today as it has been in the past, so it's a very dangerous strategy. But he needs his people to vote in a place like Texas," Luntz said.

Trump's approval rating stood at 38.3 percent on Tuesday morning, according to a polling average from Decision Desk HQ, while his disapproval rating was 59.8 percent.

The president and his party are also contending with several political challenges, including an unpopular war with Iran, voter concerns about the cost of living, and criticism of their immigration enforcement methods.

Earlier this month, at the Republican National Committee's first midterm convention in Dallas, Trump told attendees, "I'm asking you to pretend that I'm on the ballot."

"Just one more time, because if we lose, you're going to lose your border, you're going to lose your tax cuts. You're going to lose your safety and security. You're going to lose your wealth," he added.

The White House has been contacted for comment.

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