A recent NBC News Decision Desk Poll, conducted by SurveyMonkey, reveals that President Donald Trump’s approval rating for his second term remains firmly in negative territory. This encompasses overall sentiments toward his administration’s policies, although immigration and border security stand out as exceptions, with Trump attempting to refocus national attention on this key issue. Still, public opinion is closely divided, even regarding what is perceived as Trump’s strongest area.
The poll indicates that 55% of American adults disapprove of Trump’s performance as president, while 45% approve, reflecting stability in these figures since April’s NBC News Stay Tuned Poll. However, beneath these stable numbers lies a slight decline in enthusiasm, evidenced by a minor decrease in the proportion of adults who strongly approve. Conversely, there was also a small reduction in those who strongly disapprove, although intense negative sentiments continue to outweigh strong positives in the survey.
Republican respondents show a 5-point drop in those who strongly support the president since April, mostly among MAGA supporters, who are increasingly identifying as ‘somewhat approving.’ The survey, taken from May 30 to June 10 among 19,410 adults nationwide, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points.
When asked about their feelings toward Trump’s actions, the number of MAGA supporters expressing “thrilled” has decreased from 46% in April to 37% currently. In contrast, 51% of Democrats report feeling “furious” about the administration, highlighting a significant intensity gap between political parties. This disparity in feelings could impact turnout in forthcoming off-cycle elections in New Jersey and Virginia.
Independents reflect similarly negative sentiments, with 65% disapproving of Trump’s performance. In his strongest domain, immigration and border security, just over half (51%) approve of Trump’s handling, with 49% disapproving. During the poll, Trump dispatched National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles amid protests related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, and he has been vocal on this issue.
While national polling shows division regarding Trump’s immigration policies, his base rallies around this issue; 20% of MAGA supporters prioritize immigration, ranking it second only to the economy. Although the overall numbers are similar to April, there is a slight increase in Republicans and independents expressing strong approval of Trump’s handling of immigration.
On education, public opinion skews negative, with 56% disapproving of Trump’s approach to college and university-related issues. However, his core supporters largely back his policies, with 72% of MAGA supporters strongly approving.
Regarding budgetary priorities, the poll indicates a split among Americans, with 51% emphasizing the need to maintain current spending levels on programs like Medicaid. Notably, divisions exist within Republican ranks as they deliberate Trump’s major tax and spending initiative. Here, 40% prioritize reducing national debt, while 39% focus on continuing tax cuts enacted during Trump’s first term.
Recent tensions have emerged between Trump and former advisor Elon Musk, who criticized the Republican budget legislation as a “disgusting abomination.” Despite concerns over spending, Senate Republicans intend to advance their version of the funding package by July.
Moreover, assessments of Musk’s DOGE initiative reveal a slight decline in public perception, with 44% now calling it a success or partial success, down from 47%. Economic concerns also persist, with mixed feelings about personal finances remaining nearly unchanged from a year prior and a majority expressing skepticism about the impact of tariffs on future financial well-being.
The NBC News Decision Desk Poll data highlights the complexities Republicans face as they navigate internal differences while gearing up for the 2026 midterm elections.