Poll Reveals Discontent With Trump Amid Economic Struggles

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As economic concerns loom large, a recent NBC News poll reveals that voters are growing increasingly dissatisfied with President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy. Conducted between March 7-11, the survey illustrates a stark divide in public opinion even after Trump’s election to a second term.

Just 18% of registered voters rate the economy as “excellent” or “good,” signaling a decrease in optimism, particularly among Democrats who are feeling disillusioned after the 2024 election. Trump’s approval ratings remain polarized, with 47% approving of his performance while 51% disapprove.

The polling indicates a fragile state of affairs for the nation’s economy, with a majority of voters (54%) expressing disapproval of Trump’s management of economic issues, notably inflation and the cost of living. This discontent mirrors sentiments from previous years, suggesting economic anxiety is a persistent issue for many.

“As Trump navigates tariffs and seeks to reshape the federal government structure, concerns from the business sector and markets are rising,” said pollster Jeff Horwitt, who collaborated with Republican pollster Bill McInturff on the survey. “Trump’s base remains steadfast, but how this plays out with the broader electorate remains to be seen.”

Notably, 55% of voters disapprove of how Trump has addressed inflation, further complicating his economic agenda. Many voters, particularly Democrats, are worried that his endeavors, including the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency, may undermine essential social services.

Trump’s popularity within the Republican Party remains robust, with 90% of GOP voters still approving of his decisions, contrasting sharply with a mere 4% approval from Democratic voters. This stark divide marks one of the largest gaps observed in recent presidential history.

In light of these challenges, the Democratic Party stands at a crossroads, facing an all-time low in voter favorability at 27%. This has led many Democrats to question their strategies in dealing with Trump and the Republican Party in Congress.

“The numbers indicate a desperate need for the Democratic Party to rethink its approach,” Horwitt noted. “If they do not adapt and adopt a more combative stance, they risk further alienating their base.”

Respondents expressed a desire for Democratic leaders to take a firmer stance against Trump’s administration, especially given the Biden administration’s struggles in addressing the economy. Many voters believe that inaction could lead to detrimental outcomes for democracy itself.

The survey further highlights a split among Democrats about how to engage with Trump, with 65% stating they prefer sticking to their positions rather than compromising, a sharp contrast from 2017 when more Democrats favored bipartisan cooperation.

Mary Font, a combat veteran from California, summed up the sentiments among many voters, saying, “I want to see my party fight to prevent damage, even if that means nothing gets done.”

As both parties approach the 2026 midterm elections, the NBC News poll indicates that the competition for control of Congress remains close, with 48% of voters favoring Democrats and 47% supporting Republicans. This ongoing flux underscores the unpredictable implications of current economic trends and party dynamics as the nation moves forward.