Trump's early economic struggles and unifying GOP agenda face voter concerns, new poll shows

As President Donald Trump begins his second term, his approval rating has hit 47%, equaling his highest-ever mark in office. This comes amid a united Republican Party that supports his expansive legislative agenda. However, despite this political unity, a new NBC News poll reveals that voters remain wary of Trump’s handling of the economy. Only 18% rate the economy as “excellent” or “good,” with a majority—54%—disapproving of Trump’s approach to inflation and the cost of living. This marks a stark contrast to his approval on immigration, where he continues to enjoy stronger support.

The poll reveals that while Republicans rally behind Trump, his economic record remains a significant area of concern, particularly as his tariff strategies and focus on government efficiency begin to impact markets and businesses. The latest numbers reflect a mounting unease about how his policies are affecting the American public’s daily lives.


The poll also underscores the deep polarization that has characterized Trump’s presidency. While his personal approval rating is at an all-time high among Republicans, his disapproval among independents and Democrats is stark. Trump’s support from his own party stands at a remarkable 90%, but it drops dramatically to just 4% among Democrats. Independents show a negative trend as well, with 67% disapproving of his performance in office.

This division is evident across several key issues, especially as Trump’s handling of foreign policy and the war in Ukraine garners mixed reactions. However, his firm stance on border security and immigration continues to resonate with a significant portion of the electorate, with 55% approving of his handling of these issues. This stark contrast between his success on immigration and struggles with economic policy highlights the ongoing tensions in the American political landscape.


While Trump enjoys strong support from his party, his agenda is facing a mixed reception from the public. His push to restructure government efficiency and reduce spending has sparked interest, but concerns about the rapid execution of these policies—and their connection to influential figures like Elon Musk—raise red flags for many voters. Although 46% of voters approve of the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency, 47% disapprove of the effort, highlighting skepticism over its approach.

Musk’s involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is particularly controversial. While some voters see the changes as necessary, others are worried about the long-term effects of these cuts and Musk’s influence on the project. With 51% of voters holding negative views of Musk, it’s clear that his association with Trump’s initiatives could be a potential liability.


On the other side of the aisle, the Democratic Party is grappling with its own internal challenges. A record-low 27% of voters view the Democratic Party favorably, reflecting dissatisfaction with how the party has handled its opposition to Trump. In particular, a significant portion of Democrats (65%) want their lawmakers to maintain a hardline stance, even if it means legislative gridlock. This division within the Democratic base comes at a time when voters are split on which party should control Congress after the 2026 midterm elections.

As the GOP remains united under Trump’s leadership, Democrats face an uphill battle to regain ground. The poll shows a near-even split in preferences for the 2026 midterms, with 48% backing Democrats and 47% favoring Republicans. This uncertainty indicates that while Trump may be facing economic challenges, his political strength remains formidable as the country heads toward the next election cycle.

While Trump’s approval rating is strong within his party, his early struggles with the economy—particularly inflation and tariffs—raise significant questions about his effectiveness in office. The deep partisan divide and mixed reception to his ambitious agenda suggest that the next few years will be marked by ongoing polarization, as both parties gear up for a contentious midterm election in 2026.