A mere 37% of American adults currently approve of President Donald Trump's performance, marking the lowest point since he commenced his second term, according to a survey conducted by the NBC News Decision Desk, in collaboration with SurveyMonkey, between March 30 and April 13, 2026.
This poll, which was unveiled on Sunday and involved 32,433 adults with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points, highlights that 63% disapprove of Trump's leadership, with 50% expressing strong disapproval.
Economic Strain and Iranian Conflict Fuel Discontent
The public's dissatisfaction is largely focused on two key issues: the economic situation and the ongoing conflict with Iran.
A significant 45% of respondents pointed to inflation and the cost of living as the primary economic concerns, surpassing all other issues. Just 32% approve of Trump's handling of inflation, while 68% disapprove, including 52% who do so strongly.
Forty percent of Americans indicated that their personal financial situation has worsened over the past year, with only 19% seeing an improvement; these are the most extreme figures recorded by NBC News during Trump's second term.
In March 2026, annual inflation hit 3.3%, the highest in two years, driven by a 21.2% monthly spike in gasoline prices, which exceeded four dollars per gallon nationwide.
Widespread Opposition to the Iranian War
Regarding U.S. foreign policy, two-thirds of Americans disapprove of Trump's management of the war with Iran, while only a third support it. Operation Epic Fury, initiated on February 28, 2026, alongside Israel, targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and led to the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. However, it also resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, driving Brent crude oil prices from $67 to over $126 per barrel.
Despite Trump's announcement of a temporary ceasefire on April 7, approval of his handling of the conflict saw little improvement: about one-third of those surveyed still supported his approach in the days following.
A substantial 61% of adults believe the U.S. should refrain from any further military action in Iran, a sentiment that rises to 74% among those under 30.
Fractures Within the Republican Party
Although Trump retains majority support from his base, there's noticeable erosion within the Republican Party. Eighty-three percent of Republicans approve of Trump, down four points from earlier this year, and strong approval has fallen from 58% to 52%.
Notably, 26% of Republicans disapprove of Trump's handling of the Iran conflict, a higher percentage than the 17% who disapprove of his overall performance, indicating the war is a particularly contentious issue even among his supporters.
Even among self-proclaimed MAGA movement supporters, 13% disapprove of his management of the war.
Rising Public Pessimism and Minor Gains in Immigration
Only a third of Americans feel the country is on the right track, while two-thirds believe it's headed in the wrong direction, marking the most pessimistic outlook captured by the NBC News Decision Desk since Trump resumed the presidency in January 2025.
In terms of immigration, there's a slight uptick: 44% approve of his handling of immigration and border security, up four points from earlier in the year, although 56% still disapprove.
Despite Trump's dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on March 5, 2026, and her replacement with Senator Markwayne Mullin, over 60,000 individuals remain in ICE detention, nearly double the number before Trump's return to office.
The Midterm Election Context
These findings underscore the challenges Republicans face in defending their congressional majorities in the upcoming midterm elections on November 3. The American public's dissatisfaction with the economy and the Iranian conflict starkly contrasts with Trump's 2024 campaign promises to tackle inflation and keep the U.S. out of foreign conflicts.
The percentage of Republicans who approve of Trump's inflation management has dropped to 73%, a 10-point decline since the summer of 2025.
Understanding the Decline in Trump's Approval Ratings
What was the main reason for the decline in Trump's approval ratings?
The primary reasons for the decline include public dissatisfaction with economic conditions, particularly inflation, and disapproval of Trump's handling of the conflict with Iran.
How do Americans view Trump's handling of the Iran conflict?
Two-thirds of Americans disapprove of Trump's management of the war with Iran, with only a third supporting it.
What is the current perception of the U.S. economy under Trump's leadership?
Many Americans are concerned about inflation and the increasing cost of living, with 45% identifying these as major economic issues.