Americans are sour on President Trump, and the numbers show it in stark terms.
Story Snapshot
- Trump’s job approval sits at 34%, with 66% disapproving.
- Strong disapproval hits 51%, the highest mark this term in this poll.
- Registered voters prefer Democrats for Congress by 55% to 45%.
- Independents give Trump only 21% approval, far below Republicans.
What the New Poll Says, Plain and Simple
NBC News reports that 34% of adults approve of President Trump’s job performance, while 66% disapprove. The survey ran September 28 to October 12 and included 19,135 adults online. A majority, 51%, say they strongly disapprove, which marks a second-term high in that poll’s trend. The Republican Party’s brand suffers as well, with 37% favorable and 63% unfavorable in the same survey. These are broad signals of unrest as the midterms near.
Registered voters in the poll say they prefer Democratic control of Congress by 55% to 45%. That finding tracks with other signs of a national mood swing. This number does not forecast every race, but it does reflect a headwind for Republicans. House and Senate maps matter. Turnout matters. But a double-digit national edge usually forces the party in power to defend turf it would rather not.
Where Trump Is Losing Ground
Trump’s standing is weakest with independents. Only 21% approve of his performance, compared with 76% among Republican adults, a major gap that explains the national picture. The slide is not only about enemies getting louder. An earlier NBC survey showed intensity softening inside the party: strong approval among Republicans fell from 52% to 41%, while “somewhat approve” rose from 31% to 39%. That shift means loyalists remain on board, but with less fire.
Outside polling lines up with the same range. A roundup cited Washington Post–ABC News–Ipsos, NBC News, and Fox News at 33%, 34%, and 36% approval, respectively. Pollsters differ on methods, but the direction is consistent. When multiple national series cluster around the mid-30s, campaigns feel it. Donors see it. And swing-seat incumbents start to separate from the national brand to survive.
Why These Figures Matter Before the Midterms
Midterms often act like a voter report card on the president. Research and history show that lower presidential approval tends to cost House seats, though not on a perfect schedule. The NBC numbers echo that pattern today. Democrats hold a clear national preference lead, while Republicans face a mood problem that cuts across the map. The White House message must persuade late deciders and shore up independents, or losses widen.
According to major national trackers, THE MOST RECENT President Donald Trump's approval rating has cratered to a record second-term low, heavily driven by public dissatisfaction over the war in Iran, inflation, and the cost of living.
Major Recent Polls
ABC News/Washington…
— Bonnie Boden (@designergirla) October 19, 2026
Common sense says fix the issues that drive the slide. Voters name the economy and national direction first. Conservative priorities argue for steadier prices, safer streets, and borders under control. If the numbers reflect worry on those fronts, then policy clarity and action—not slogans—are the only cure. Blaming the pollster does not change the public mood. Winning back independents does.
Sources:
nbcnews.com, usatoday.com, news18.com, axios.com, feeds.nbcnews.com
