Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 15: US President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to its lowest point of his second term, as persistent inflation worries and economic uncertainty continue to influence voter sentiment, according to a new NBC News poll.
The survey showed Trump's approval rating among registered voters at 42 per cent, a decline from 44 per cent recorded earlier this spring, marking the weakest performance of his current term so far.
The poll also indicated an early advantage for Democrats ahead of the 2026 Congressional elections, with the party holding a five-point lead on the generic ballot that measures overall voter preferences.
The findings come at a time when the White House is facing increasing public anxiety over rising prices, fuelled in part by tensions involving Iran and disruptions to global energy markets.
During an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press, Trump sought to reassure Americans that inflationary pressures would eventually subside.
"Our numbers were great. You know what I really love? I love the inflation. When the war's over, it's coming down. It's going to come down like a rock," Trump said.
However, the latest survey suggests that many Americans remain doubtful about both the economy and the country's future direction.
NBC chief data analyst Steve Kornacki noted that the poll reflected a growing sense of pessimism among voters, despite continued attachment to American identity and institutions.
When asked whether America's best years are ahead or behind, nearly six out of every ten respondents said they believe the nation's best days are already in the past.
The survey also highlighted a decline in national pride compared to previous decades. Only 56 per cent of respondents described themselves as either "extremely proud" or "very proud" to be American, a significant drop from nearly 75 per cent recorded at the beginning of the 2000s.
The results underscored sharp partisan divisions across the country.
Republican voters were considerably more likely than Democrats to express confidence in institutions such as the military and greater pride in the nation, while Democratic voters showed stronger trust in colleges and universities.
At the same time, the poll revealed widespread distrust of several key institutions, including Congress, the federal government, the Supreme Court and the news media.
Economic issues are expected to dominate the political landscape in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections. Rising living costs, particularly higher fuel prices linked to instability in the Middle East, have once again become a major concern for voters.
Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries said Americans are increasingly struggling with affordability issues.
"America's far too expensive. The cost of living is way too high. There are far too many people who are working hard, playing by the rules, but they can't thrive and can barely survive," Jeffries said during an NBC interview.
Republicans, however, argue that voters still remember the inflation and immigration challenges that occurred during former President Joe Biden's administration and believe those issues will continue to favour their party politically.
The 2026 midterm elections will be crucial in deciding control of Congress and are widely expected to serve as the first major nationwide assessment of Trump's second-term policies.
Historically, the party occupying the White House often faces setbacks during midterm elections, making economic performance, inflation trends and public confidence key factors that could shape the political battle over the coming months.