A new NBC News poll released Sunday shows President Donald Trump's overall approval rating has fallen to a second-term low [1].
These findings suggest a shift in voter sentiment that could significantly impact the 2026 midterm elections. As the president's popularity declines, the Democratic Party is gaining momentum in the fight for legislative control.
The national poll, conducted by NBC News/Strength in Numbers-Verasight, places Trump's approval rating at 38 percent [1]. Some reports place this figure as low as 36 percent [4]. His disapproval rating has reached 55 percent [1].
"Trump’s approval rating is slipping faster than any president in recent history," Steve Kornacki said in an NBC News video.
An NBC News poll spokesperson said the results show the president's approval is "hovering around the high-30s percent," which represents a historic low for a second term [1]. Analysts attribute this decline to economic concerns, voter frustration, and a perceived drop in the president's handling of key issues [5, 6].
This erosion of support appears to be benefiting the opposition. Democrats currently hold a lead of five percentage points over Republicans in the race for control of Congress [2]. Other data suggests a slightly narrower lead of four points [7].
"Democrats are up about five points ahead of the midterms, giving them a clear edge in the fight for Congress," a political analyst at MSN said [2].
The poll comes as both parties begin intensifying their strategies for the upcoming congressional contests. With the president's approval dipping, the GOP may face challenges in defending seats or flipping Democratic-held districts.
“Trump’s approval rating is slipping faster than any president in recent history.”
The decline in President Trump's approval rating creates a precarious environment for the Republican Party heading into the 2026 midterms. Historically, midterm elections often serve as a referendum on the sitting president's performance; a low approval rating typically correlates with losses for the president's party in Congress. If this trend continues, Democrats may be positioned to seize the legislative agenda by leveraging voter dissatisfaction over the economy and governance.
