Trump’s Approval Rating Hits Second-Term Low of 33–36% Ahead of November 3 US Elections

Trump’s Approval Slumps to 33–36% as Inflation and Economic Worries Mount Before US Midterms

US President Donald Trump is facing declining public approval, with multiple national polls placing his rating between 33 per cent and 36 per cent, the lowest levels of his second term. The latest findings point to growing voter dissatisfaction over inflation, living costs and the administration’s performance ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

The NBC News Decision Desk Poll, conducted through SurveyMonkey, found that Trump’s approval rating stood at 34 per cent among US adults, while 66 per cent disapproved of his performance. The survey also recorded strong disapproval among 51 per cent of respondents, the highest level reported during his second term in the poll.

A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey, reported by MS NOW, placed Trump’s approval at 33 per cent, with 66 per cent disapproving. According to the report, his rating had fallen eight percentage points from the corresponding period last year and four points since July.

A separate Fox News poll put his approval at 36 per cent, the lowest figure recorded by the network across both his presidential terms. His rating had remained at 39 per cent since May before dropping in the latest survey.

The findings come as Republicans prepare to defend their congressional majorities, with economic concerns and voter dissatisfaction emerging as significant issues in the midterm campaign.

Cost of Living and Inflation Drive Public Discontent

Economic pressures appear to be weighing heavily on Trump’s standing, with voters highlighting rising household expenses and uncertainty about their financial future.

In the NBC News survey, 31 per cent of respondents identified the economy as the country’s most important issue. Asked about their personal finances, 44 per cent said their situation had worsened over the past year, while 18 per cent reported improvement and 38 per cent said it had remained largely unchanged.

Fuel prices were another source of concern, with 67 per cent describing gasoline prices as either a very serious or somewhat serious problem.

The survey also indicated that Americans were making financial adjustments to manage everyday expenses. Respondents reported changing grocery-buying habits, reducing spending on necessities, limiting electricity use, cancelling or modifying travel plans and postponing major purchases.

The Fox News poll found that six in 10 voters considered the cost of living their biggest economic concern, ahead of government spending, employment, income inequality, tariffs and taxes.

Overall, 74 per cent rated the economy negatively, while 53 per cent expected conditions to worsen over the following year. Another 55 per cent said inflation was not at all under control.

Trump’s approval rating for his handling of inflation fell to 22 per cent in the Fox News survey, while 77 per cent disapproved. His handling of the broader economy also drew criticism, with 70 per cent expressing disapproval.

Immigration Offers Comparatively Stronger Ratings

Immigration and border security remained areas where Trump received relatively greater support, although the polls also showed substantial opposition to aspects of his immigration policies.

The NBC News survey found that 43 per cent of respondents approved of his handling of immigration and border security. His approval ratings were lower on the cost of living at 27 per cent, the war with Iran at 29 per cent and artificial intelligence at 33 per cent.

The Fox News poll recorded 50 per cent approval for Trump’s handling of border security, matched by 50 per cent disapproval. On immigration more broadly, 56 per cent disapproved of his performance.

His ratings were also weak on other policy issues. The Fox News survey found that 64 per cent disapproved of his handling of foreign policy, while 69 per cent disapproved of his approach to tariffs.

Democrats Hold an Advantage in Midterm Voting Intentions

The polling results showed Democrats leading Republicans in preferences for congressional control, adding to the challenges facing the Republican Party before the November elections.

The NBC News Decision Desk Poll found that registered voters preferred Democratic control of Congress by 55 per cent to 45 per cent.

In the Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey, 52 per cent of likely voters said they would support a Democratic candidate in their congressional district, compared with 44 per cent who favoured a Republican candidate. The reported Democratic lead had expanded by five percentage points since July.

The Fox News poll also showed Democrats ahead, with 54 per cent of respondents supporting Democratic candidates against 45 per cent for Republicans. Among voters certain to participate, the figures stood at 52 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively.

The survey further found that around seven in 10 voters wanted their midterm vote to send a message to Trump. Some 47 per cent said their vote would express opposition to him, nearly double the 25 per cent who said it would demonstrate support.

Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who conducts the Fox News poll alongside Democratic pollster Chris Anderson, acknowledged that the party still had time to address the polling gaps but cautioned that the window was narrowing.

“Republicans have time to close these apparent gaps, but it’s getting late,” Shaw said.

Negative Ratings Extend to Both Parties

Despite their lead in congressional voting preferences, Democrats also faced unfavourable public perceptions, according to the surveys.

The NBC News poll found that 43 per cent of respondents viewed the Democratic Party favourably, while 57 per cent held an unfavourable opinion. For Republicans, 37 per cent expressed a favourable view and 63 per cent an unfavourable one.

The Fox News survey produced comparable results, with Democrats receiving 42 per cent favourable and 58 per cent unfavourable ratings. Republicans recorded 38 per cent favourable and 61 per cent unfavourable ratings.

Concerns about corruption were also prominent. In the NBC News poll, 52 per cent of respondents considered Trump’s administration more corrupt than previous administrations. Approximately one-quarter believed it was less corrupt, while another quarter considered it about as corrupt as its predecessors.

Views on corruption within the political system were more divided. Some 56 per cent said both parties were equally affected, while 25 per cent identified corruption as a bigger problem within the Republican Party and 17 per cent said it was more serious among Democrats.

The survey also found that 58 per cent believed Trump’s policies were hurting the country. Only 28 per cent said his policies were helping, while 14 per cent felt they made no difference.

Support Among Republican Voters Shows a Decline

Trump retained substantial backing among Republicans, but the latest findings indicated that his approval within his own party had fallen compared with earlier periods of his second term.

The NBC News poll placed his approval among Republican adults at 76 per cent, while his rating among independents stood at 21 per cent. Approval was 28 per cent among men under 30 and 31 per cent among Latino respondents.

The Fox News survey likewise recorded 76 per cent approval among Republicans. This was three percentage points lower than the previous month, 12 points below September 2025 and 16 points below the level recorded in March 2025.

According to Fox News, the decline was driven primarily by reduced approval among voters under 45, households earning less than $50,000 annually, non-White voters and people without a college degree.

The NBC News poll also examined expectations surrounding Trump’s promise of $5,000 payments if Republicans won the 2026 midterm elections. Only 14 per cent of respondents said they definitely or probably expected to receive the money, while 71 per cent said they definitely or probably did not.

Even among Republican respondents, 47 per cent said they did not expect to receive the promised payment, compared with 28 per cent who said they did.

As the midterm elections approach, the surveys highlight the challenges facing Trump and congressional Republicans amid concerns about household finances, inflation and government performance. The polling figures reflect public opinion during the respective survey periods and should not be treated as a definitive prediction of the election outcome.