Full Breakdown
NBC News Poll Finds Voter Opposition to Trump’s Policies Amid Competitive Midterms
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Findings
A recent NBC News poll of 1,000 registered voters conducted in mid-September shows a pronounced shift away from former President Donald Trump and several signature Republican policies. A majority (56%) disapprove of Trump’s job performance, and 55% say his policies have hurt the economy. Voters also express strong resistance to a proposed $5,000 adult payment tied to Republican control of Congress, with 52% less likely to back a candidate who embraces the plan.
Data & Statistics
- Economic perception: 55% say Trump’s policies hurt the economy; 26% say they help.
- Approval rating: Only 25% strongly approve of Trump, the second-lowest level recorded across his two terms.
- Policy-specific support: 42% of respondents are less likely to support a candidate backing the 2025 “big, beautiful bill” tax cut; 36% are more likely.
- War with Iran: 57% would be less likely to support a candidate who backs the war, while 24% would be more likely.
- Candidate endorsement: 52% are less likely to vote for a Trump-endorsed candidate; 30% are more likely.
- Signal voting: 43% intend to vote for Congress as a signal of opposition to Trump, compared with 27% who plan to signal support.
Official Statements & Responses
Republican strategist Mark McInturff observed that “the issue environment is tilting substantially towards the Democrats,” emphasizing the GOP’s geographic advantages despite the unfavorable voter sentiment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Donald Trump has achieved his goal of making this election about him at a historic level. The problem for Trump and Republicans on the ballot in November is that he has also made history in the highest share of voters who say their vote is in opposition to Trump,” — The Democratic
- “The issue environment is tilting substantially towards the Democrats,” — Trump. McInturff
Implications for the 2026 Midterm Election
The poll suggests that voter anxiety about Republican alignment with Trump and related policy proposals could erode GOP support in competitive districts. While Republicans retain leads on issues such as border security, the overall “issue environment” appears to favor Democrats, potentially shaping campaign strategies and candidate positioning as both parties vie for control of Congress in the upcoming election.
