Will Trump’s Falling Popularity Cost Republicans in the Midterms?

US President Donald Trump is betting that a more intensive role in the midterm election campaign will rally his supporters and help Republicans retain control of Congress.

The strategy puts Trump at the centre of his party’s effort to mobilise voters. His campaign presence is intended to turn support for the president into votes for Republican candidates.

But his declining popularity could complicate that calculation. Rather than providing a boost, a closer association with Trump risks becoming a burden for Republicans seeking to defend their seats.

The challenge for the party is whether the president’s ability to energise his supporters can outweigh the potential damage from his weakening public standing.

For Republicans, Trump’s expanded campaign role is therefore both an opportunity and a risk, with control of Congress at stake.