2024 and Beyond: A Divided America Assesses Trump’s Second Term
The latest NBC News poll paints a complex portrait of America in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory. While the country remains deeply divided, there is a noticeable uptick in optimism about the nation’s direction, driven largely by unified Republican support for the president and his agenda. Currently, 47% of registered voters approve of Trump’s job performance—the highest mark of his presidency—though a slim majority (51%) still disapproves. This narrow gap reflects a polarized electorate, where Trump’s base is more solidified than ever, but widespread dissatisfaction persists, particularly on key issues like the economy.
Economic Anxiety Looms Large
Despite the optimism about the nation’s trajectory, voters are increasingly sour on the economy. Only 18% of voters rate the economy as “excellent” or “good,” the lowest mark since 2014 and comparable to the most challenging economic periods of the Biden administration. A staggering 55% disapprove of Trump’s handling of inflation and the cost of living, while 54% disapprove of his overall economic policies. This marks a turning point for Trump, who has historically enjoyed strong support on economic issues but now faces growing skepticism. The poll reveals that 60% of voters believe their family’s income is falling behind the cost of living, a stark reminder of the financial strain many Americans are under.
A United GOP and a Fractured Democratic Party
Trump’s Republican base is more unified than ever, with 90% of GOP voters approving of his performance. This newfound unity has emboldened Trump to pursue an ambitious agenda, including controversial measures like tariffs on U.S. allies and the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a initiative aimed at slashing federal jobs and spending. While voters narrowly support the idea of DOGE (46% view it as a good idea), concerns about its execution and the involvement of billionaire Elon Musk, who is viewed unfavorably by 51% of voters, could undermine public confidence in the effort.
On the other side of the aisle, the Democratic Party is grappling with historic lows in popularity. Just 27% of registered voters view the party positively, the lowest mark in NBC News polling history. Democrats are also internally divided, with 65% wanting lawmakers to stand firm in their positions, even if it means legislative gridlock, while 32% favor compromise with Republicans. Despite these challenges, voters remain evenly split on which party they want to control Congress after the 2026 midterm elections, with 48% backing Democrats and 47% supporting Republicans.
Immigration and Policy: A Mixed Bag for Trump
While economic concerns dominate voter sentiment, Trump has found success on immigration, with 55% of voters approving of his handling of border security and immigration. This issue, alongside economic policy, was a cornerstone of his 2024 campaign, and his deportation-focused approach appears to resonate with a majority of Americans. However, Trump’s performance on other issues, such as foreign policy and the war between Russia and Ukraine, is less favorable. Only 45% approve of his foreign policy efforts, and even fewer (42%) support his handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The Road to 2026: Will Trump’s Base Be Enough? The next year will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of American politics. For Trump, the challenge will be to address voter dissatisfaction on the economy while maintaining the loyalty of his expanded base. For Democrats, the task is to regroup and find a cohesive strategy to counter Trump’s agenda. The poll suggests that neither party can take control of Congress for granted, with voters split on their preferences for the 2026 midterm elections.
Ultimately, the NBC News poll underscores the enduring polarization of American politics. While Trump’s base is stronger than ever, his presidency continues to be defined by sharp divisions, with no clear end to the country’s political turmoil in sight.
