Why it matters: Trump’s approval rating on foreign policy has actually jumped, from 41% in August to 45% now, just shy of his 46% overall approval rating. But when it comes to the Khashoggi case, 37% of Republicans believe he has been too soft on the Saudis, along with 55% of independents and 78% of Democrats.

That’s also the view of majorities of all five voter subgroups Axios is tracking ahead of the midterm elections — including rural voters and “Never Hillary” independents, who have been more supportive of Trump on other issues.

Trump’s repeated statements that Saudi Arabia is a “strong ally” of the U.S. are also out of step with public opinion. Asked whether Saudi Arabia is an “ally” of the U.S., “friendly but not an ally,” “unfriendly” or an “enemy,” more Americans chose “unfriendly” (the top choice) or “enemy” than the first two options.