Trump’s Approval Hits 34% as 71% of Americans Say Country Is on Wrong Track
A new NBC News Decision Desk poll, conducted with SurveyMonkey, reveals a grim national mood as President Donald Trump’s second term unfolds. According to the survey, 71% of adults believe the country is on the “wrong track,” the highest share yet in Trump’s second term. This pessimism is accompanied by a 34% approval rating for the president, with a majority—51%—strongly disapproving of his job performance, another second-term high. The poll underscores widespread dissatisfaction with the direction of the nation and sets a challenging backdrop for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.
Economically, Americans are deeply unhappy, with 31% identifying the economy as the issue that matters most to them. While Trump’s strongest issue remains border security and immigration, on which 43% approve of his handling, overall discontent dominates. The poll also finds that registered voters favor Democratic House candidates over Republicans, 55% to 45%, a margin that could complicate GOP efforts to maintain their House majority. Meanwhile, Republicans are playing defense in several Senate races this year, including in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Ohio, and Texas, according to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
However, Democrats face significant popularity problems of their own. Americans hold a negative view of both major political parties, and widespread distrust toward both parties is evident. Yet, the survey indicates that Trump and Republicans bear the brunt of the public’s frustration. This dynamic presents a complex landscape for both sides as they navigate the upcoming elections. The NBC News poll, powered by SurveyMonkey, highlights a nation grappling with economic concerns and political disillusionment, with the president’s approval rating serving as a key indicator of the challenging environment his party faces.