NBC News Poll: Trump’s Second-Term Approval at 41% as Voters Signal Economic Discontent
A new NBC News poll reveals that President Trump’s second-term approval rating stands at just 41 percent, with a majority of voters—56 percent—disapproving of his job performance. The disapproval cuts across party lines, including overwhelming shares of Democrats and independents, and notably, 16 percent of Republicans. These numbers underscore the president’s ongoing struggles to broaden his appeal beyond his base as the midterm campaign season heats up.
On the campaign trail, Republicans are attempting to shore up their standing by arguing that Democrats are too extreme to trust with congressional majorities. However, the poll suggests that Trump’s policies may be a drag on his party. A majority of voters now say that Trump’s policies have hurt them, a sharp shift from March when the numbers were about ten points better on “help” and “hurt” was not yet a majority. This economic discontent is likely fueling Democratic advantages: Democrats hold a 7-point edge on controlling inflation, as well as slight leads on dealing with the war in Iran and government corruption. Corruption was the second-most popular choice when voters were asked to rank the most important issue facing the country, with heightened concern among members of both parties and independents.
Republicans still retain significant advantages on handling crime, border security, and immigration—including a 21-point lead on border security. Meanwhile, the Democratic Socialists of America is viewed positively by 22 percent of voters, as Republicans try to link other Democrats to the left-wing group, which rose in prominence following major primary wins in the past two years. Despite these GOP strengths, Trump and his policies remain a key consideration for voters when casting their ballots, and the current landscape presents two major drags on Trump and his party: his low approval rating and the perception that his policies have hurt most Americans.
Shimanta Das 
