"Corrupt," "cruel": Americans send Trump, GOP a midterm warning

Source: Axios / Economist/YouGov Poll (via memeorandum) Author: Josephine Walker Date: February 17, 2026 URL: https://www.memeorandum.com/260217/p103

Key Findings

Nearly half of Americans would describe President Trump as "corrupt," "racist" and "cruel" in new polling full of midterm warning signs for Republicans.

• About 47% of those surveyed said they would use "racist" to describe the president
• 49% said the president is "corrupt"
• 46% said he is "cruel"
• About 56% of respondents said they "strongly or somewhat" disapprove of the president

The Economist/YouGov poll asked more than 1,600 registered voters about Trump's job performance.

The poll was published at a time when Republicans appear to be growing more concerned about the prospects of losing their majority on The Hill during the 2026 midterms. Democrats recently picked up a slate of election victories, primarily by running on a message of reducing the cost of living.

Meanwhile, Trump's polling on important issues like the economy and immigration appears to be tanking, according to reports.

"Trump may be encountering the same dynamic that helped him surpass Biden in early 2024 polling — the economy may be stable, but many Americans do not feel that in their own finances," Axios reported.