Trump watches election from White House as exit polls show 38% approval and Pope votes in US

UPDATE - follow-up to Control of Congress on the line as voters decide midterms — live updates: President Trump posted on Truth Social that he has been watching the election coverage on Fox News but will need to switch to other sources after a complaint about a female Fox contributor’s voice. He said he will return to Fox later in the evening. From the White House, Trump’s schedule lists a reception in the East Room at about 7 p.m. Early exit polls show his job approval at 38%, the lowest midterm rating for any president, and under 50% in almost every Senate battleground state, even those he won by double digits in 2024. Voters say the Senate’s party control influenced their choice, and about six in ten say Trump factored into their House vote, especially among Democrats. Pope Leo, born Robert Prevost, became the first pope to cast a U.S. mail‑in ballot, with Will County, Illinois confirming receipt of his vote. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin dismissed fears of ICE agents at polling places, calling the idea “absolutely ridiculous” and saying only a specific security threat would justify federal deployment. The North Carolina Board of Elections extended voting hours at five precincts in four counties after brief disruptions and will post statewide results about 45 minutes later than planned, around 8:15 p.m. Gas prices hit $4.15 per gallon, the highest Election Day price on record, surpassing the 2022 record of $3.80 per gallon.

Context

Midterm elections are traditionally seen as a referendum on the sitting president, and early polls this year show Trump’s low approval shaping voter decisions. The pope’s historic ballot highlights the broad civic participation this election has drawn.