Trump rallies Republicans for midterms

GREENVILLE/ NORTH CAROLINA:

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Republicans to defy unfavourable polling and deliver strong results in the November 3 midterm elections, rallying supporters in North Carolina, where his party faces a difficult Senate contest.

Trump's second visit to the state in as many months came as his approval rating fell to 31%, its lowest level across his two terms, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey. "I think you're gonna see some amazing results," Trump told hundreds of supporters, dismissing polls as inaccurate and urging Republicans to turn out.

Rising fuel prices and dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy have added to Republican concerns. The Senate Leadership Fund, a major Republican campaign group, has withdrawn its spending from the state amid Republican Michael Whatley's poor polling.

Trump announced prospective investments in North Carolina, including a claimed $1.5 billion Defence Department investment in semiconductor production, but provided no details.