Trump is sinking the party: Republicans panic as midterm election fears grow

Republicans are running scared. With just weeks until the November 3 midterm elections, party members are publicly distancing themselves from President Trump, fearing he will drag them down in a historic defeat. "Trump is sinking the party," one source told CNN on Monday. The panic is spreading among congressmen, senators, and governors who fear losing their seats, their salaries, and their power. **A historic low in popularity** Trump's approval rating has hit rock bottom. Only 30% of Americans approve of his performance, while 68% disapprove, according to a recent Pew Research Center poll. This is a four-point drop since July. The president is touring the country with daily campaign events. But critics say his actions are making things worse. **Controversial deal with Putin** From the war in Iran to immigration crackdowns to the rising cost of living, Trump faces criticism on many fronts. His latest move—a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to try to lower diesel prices—has sparked outrage. The agreement lifts sanctions on Russia that Trump signed on September 18. It also restores Putin's status as an international partner after Western nations had sanctioned him. Experts say the deal only covers about a day and a half of US diesel demand. It is unlikely to significantly lower prices for consumers. On Sunday, senators from both parties issued a joint statement condemning the deal. The group included Republicans Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Thom Tillis (North Carolina), and John Curtis (Utah), along with Democrats Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire), Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut), and Ron Wyden (Oregon). "Congress explicitly banned Russian energy imports in 2022 to prevent US dollars from funding Putin's brutal war against Ukraine," the statement read. "President Trump's decision to allow Russian gasoil imports directly violates that law." The senators added: "The United States must not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues killing Ukrainian civilians. The administration must reverse course immediately." **Republicans break ranks** With less than three weeks until Election Day, some Republicans are openly separating themselves from Trump during debates. In Maine, Senator Susan Collins spoke about her record of voting against Trump. "I have voted against President Trump 137 times just this year," she said. Collins also criticized the war in Iran, saying it was "poorly planned," and attacked Trump's tariffs on Canada, a key trading partner for Maine. In Michigan, Republican gubernatorial candidate John James called for a quick end to the Iran war: "It should have ended yesterday." In Georgia, Republican candidate Rick Jackson—who once called himself "Trump's favorite governor"—has changed his tone. He now aligns himself with outgoing Governor Brian Kemp instead. "I owe nothing to anyone," Jackson said during Tuesday's debate. "My number one priority is Georgians. I will stand up to anyone, just like Brian Kemp has done." **Immigration backlash** Many Republicans are also criticizing the administration's immigration crackdown. Florida Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar recently posted a video challenging White House policies. "When you start deporting people who have been here 15 or 20 years without incidents, that's a gray area where there is a lot of division of opinion," said Senator John Cornyn (Republican, Texas). "I have always thought this idea of mass deportations sent the wrong message." A Fox poll conducted September 11-14 with 1,211 registered voters found that 53% believed the Trump administration's immigration enforcement had gone too far. Of those, 45% said the government was using excessive force, while 49% said it was targeting the wrong people. Senator Mike Rounds (Republican, South Dakota), who is seeking reelection, said most Americans want ICE to focus on migrants who have committed crimes beyond crossing the border illegally. Senator Thom Tillis (Republican, North Carolina) agreed that mass deportations have gone too far. "I would rather 100 people in irregular status go free than detain one innocent person," he said. "Besides being politically foolish, in my opinion it is immoral. We have completely hidden the enormous success of border security by overreaching and acting too aggressively."