President Donald Trump is facing a potential challenge ahead of the November midterm elections, with a new Reuters/Ipsos poll showing significantly lower enthusiasm among his 2024 voters compared with supporters of his Democratic rival Kamala Harris.
The poll found that only 30 percent of voters who supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election said they were “very enthusiastic” about voting in this year’s midterms. In comparison, 48 percent of Harris supporters expressed the same level of enthusiasm.
Trump has repeatedly urged Republicans to treat the elections as a referendum on his presidency. Speaking at a rally in Nebraska, he asked supporters to “pretend I am on the ballot,” arguing that his presence would encourage Republicans to turn out.
However, the poll suggests that opposition to Trump could be a stronger motivation than support for him. Among enthusiastic voters, 62 percent said they were motivated to vote against Trump, while only 36 percent said they were eager to support him.
Republican strategist Charlie Gerow acknowledged that turnout could determine the outcome, saying Republicans need to increase enthusiasm among their supporters before the elections.Signs of disengagement have also emerged among some Trump voters.
Michigan voter Jim Pasek said Trump’s recent statements had left him confused and frustrated, while Texas voter Brandon Tremaine said he would respond to Trump’s call to “vote as if I was on the ballot” by choosing not to vote.
Republican organizer Doug Koopman also reported low energy among volunteers in Michigan, saying campaign materials were being left untouched at party offices.
The developments come as several polls indicate Republicans could face a difficult battle in the midterm elections, with Democrats showing stronger voter enthusiasm and certainty in some surveys.
