A Fox News poll released Wednesday reveals widespread voter discontent, with President Donald Trump’s job approval near a record low and Democrats holding a significant lead on the generic House ballot. The survey found 53% of voters would back the Democratic candidate in their House district, while 46% would support the Republican. This 7-point edge sits just outside the poll’s margin of error. Democrats were up by 5 points in April, and the 53% figure marks the highest percentage either party has received on the generic House ballot in Fox News polling since 1996.
Motivation to vote shows a clear disparity. 68% of Democrats say they are extremely motivated to vote in November, compared with 57% of Republicans. Among Republicans, MAGA supporters show far greater motivation, with 66% extremely motivated, against just 41% of non-MAGA Republicans.
President Trump’s job approval remains at 39%, holding steady for the third consecutive month. This figure is one point above his low of 38% recorded in October 2017, now in its ninth year. His approval stands lower than former President Barack Obama’s at the same point in his second term, which was 42% in July 2014, now in its twelfth year. Trump received net-negative ratings for his handling of critical national issues, including immigration (42% approve, 57% disapprove), Iran (34%-66%), the economy (33%-67%), and inflation (27%-73%).
Elite Betrayal Confirmed
Three-quarters of voters rate the economy negatively, a sentiment consistent over the past six months. An equal three-quarters report that inflation has caused them financial hardship, with 34% citing “serious” hardship, an increase from 26% last year. A majority, 54%, expect the economy to worsen in the coming year. Only Republicans expressed optimism at 71%, while 75% of Democrats and 64% of independents anticipate further economic decline.
The poll also uncovered broad dissatisfaction with both established parties and the political system itself. A staggering 70% of voters believe the Republican Party is closely tied to elite interests. The Democratic Party fares only slightly better, with 55% of voters saying the same about its connections to elites. Many within both parties feel a profound sense of betrayal: 48% of Democrats and 41% of Republicans report feeling let down by their own parties, primarily for selling out to special interests.
Demand for National Renewal
Voters overwhelmingly prefer new people in office over those with experience, by a 2-to-1 margin. This reflects a deep desire for systemic change. Overall, 19% of voters want revolutionary change in the nation’s government. Another 38% seek substantial change, and 23% demand dramatic change. This means nearly 80% of the electorate is calling for significant upheaval.
Nearly 7 in 10 voters disapprove of both Democrats and Republicans in Congress. An overwhelming 85% support a mandatory retirement age for members of Congress, indicating a widespread rejection of the entrenched political class. This sentiment suggests a populace ready to dismantle the current structure of power.
Cultural Erosion and Shifting Values
The survey also noted a decline in support for foundational Western economic principles. 50% of voters now hold a positive view of capitalism, down from 57% in 2019, now in its seventh year. Conversely, 30% view socialism favorably, an increase from 27% last year. The Democratic Socialists of America were viewed positively by 31% of respondents. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., garnered a 45% favorable view, surpassing Vice President JD Vance at 41%, President Trump at 38%, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., at 35%. Furthermore, 44% had a favorable view of Israel, a significant drop from 58% a decade ago, now in its tenth year. The poll was conducted July 17-20, 2026, by Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research, surveying 1,003 registered voters, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.