Voters express frustration with Trump’s handling of economy, NBC News poll shows
News Summary
A recent NBC News poll indicates growing frustration among Americans regarding President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, less than a year into his current term. The survey revealed that 63% of voters felt Trump had fallen short of expectations on the economy, 65% on looking out for the middle class, and 66% on managing inflation and the cost of living. Trump’s overall approval rating has dropped 4 points to 43% since March, with 55% disapproving of his performance. This negativity is also impacting Republican lawmakers, with Democrats now favored by an 8-point margin (50% to 42%) to win control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. These results emerge as a government shutdown extends past a month, affecting critical programs like SNAP food benefits. Despite the broad dissatisfaction, voters are split on which party would better handle the economy, with 38% favoring Republicans and 37% favoring Democrats.
Background
This poll was released in late 2025, less than a year into President Donald Trump's current term, following his successful re-election in November 2024. The report highlights growing public dissatisfaction with his economic performance during this period. The context also includes an ongoing government shutdown, which has stretched past a month and likely exacerbated public concerns over economic stability and government operational efficiency. Concurrently, the poll provides an early indicator of the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, showing a significant lead for Democrats in the race for congressional control.
In-Depth AI Insights
What are the implications for the Trump administration's political capital and policy flexibility? * Declining approval ratings and widespread public dissatisfaction suggest a diminished political capital for the Trump administration to push through its legislative agenda, such as further tax cuts or deregulation. * Faced with public frustration over the economy, the administration might pivot towards more populist policies, potentially including increased spending, heightened protectionist measures, or pressure on specific industries, aiming for short-term public approval. * The unfavorable midterm outlook for Republicans indicates potential legislative gridlock post-2026, making it harder to pass significant economic reforms. How might sustained public frustration with the economy influence investor sentiment and market sectors? * Broad dissatisfaction with inflation and the cost of living typically translates into lower consumer confidence, which could directly impact consumer-discretionary sectors reliant on household spending. * Political uncertainty stemming from government shutdowns and concerns over the 2026 midterm election outcomes might deter long-term investment, leading to capital flight towards safer assets. * Investors may favor defensive sectors (e.g., utilities, consumer staples) or global companies less susceptible to domestic policy shifts, seeking refuge from potential political and economic risks. Given the split on economic competence between parties, what are the potential market implications leading up to the 2026 midterms? * Heightened policy uncertainty will likely prevail as both parties vie for economic narrative dominance and propose their respective policy solutions, potentially leading to increased market volatility. * Markets will closely scrutinize economic policy proposals and rhetoric from both sides, which could have sector-specific impacts. For instance, a Democratic takeover of Congress might signal shifts in regulatory environments or fiscal policy for sectors like energy, healthcare, or technology. * This uncertainty could prompt investors to increase hedging or adopt a more cautious stance in their portfolios until the political landscape becomes clearer.