The key facts

  • Two-thirds of Americans believe Trump's influence on the Republican Party has weakened after the midterm election defeat
  • 53% link the Republicans' loss of both chambers of Congress to Trump's actions; among MAGA supporters, 33% think so
  • The main reason for the Democrats' victory, according to 42%, was the cost of living, 30% cited the war with Iran, and 27% cited Trump's personal behavior

What the poll showed

President Donald Trump's influence on the Republican Party appears to be weakening after the party's heavy defeat in the midterm elections, according to a Politico poll. Two-thirds of Americans said he has lost at least some of his political power. The poll was conducted during the week after Election Day.

A split within the electorate

83% of Democratic voters and 57% of Republicans are inclined to view Trump's influence as weakened. Even among his loyal MAGA supporters, only 40% believe he retains his former level of power. More than half of Americans — 53% — link the Republicans' loss of both chambers of Congress to Trump's actions after his return to the White House; among MAGA respondents, 33% think so.

Reasons for the defeat and the question of the party's future

Voters named the cost of living as the main factor behind the Democrats' victory — 42% of respondents cited it. It was followed by the war with Iran (30%) and Trump's personal behavior (27%). Opinions were divided on the party's future: 56% of Americans believe Republicans should distance themselves from Trump and his agenda, while 59% of MAGA voters want the party, on the contrary, to move closer to him. The poll results point to growing questions about Trump's leadership for the final two years of his presidency, when Democrats are preparing to take control of Congress and Republicans face the need to rethink their political course.