<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Byron York, chief political correspondent for the Washington Examiner, stated that President Donald Trump’s job approval rating is low as the midterm elections approach, which historically has negatively impacted the performance of the sitting president’s party.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">York mentioned on Fox Business’s <em>Kudlow</em> that the president's approval rating is slightly below 40% according to the RealClearPolitics average of polls, calling this situation "not good."</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite these low ratings, Trump has encouraged voters to act as if he is on the ballot, urging them to participate in the elections. York noted that candidates in competitive races may view Trump’s presence as a challenge, but his influence could still yield unexpected results.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">York remarked, "You would not think that lots and lots of candidates in sort of toss-up districts would want to have him around. That’s the old thinking. I basically think that that’s correct. On the other hand, the president has been his best communicator, forever, and he tends to get a lot of attention and a lot of enthusiasm."</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">York also commented on Trump’s administration's efforts regarding Iran, stating that they have temporarily hindered Iran’s ability to produce a nuclear weapon. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether Trump’s influence will be sufficient to help Republicans succeed in the upcoming elections. He emphasized that while the midterm elections will impact Trump’s agenda, he is not on the ballot.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">York concluded, "There’s a difference in being on the ballot and not being on the ballot, and the fact is that the president is not going to be on the ballot."</p>