Donald Trump’s second term in office has hit another low point, as his approval rating has fallen to its lowest level yet, according to newly released polling data. The decline underscores the mounting pressure his administration faces — from economic anxieties and international flare-ups to domestic controversies that have left even some of his long-time supporters questioning his leadership. For a president who has thrived on projecting dominance, the latest numbers present a sobering reminder that public confidence is waning.
Data reviewed by NBC’s political unit shows Trump’s approval rating has slipped to just 32 percent, down several points from earlier this year. The survey also revealed a growing number of independent voters expressing disillusionment, while Republican loyalty, once considered unshakable, appears to be showing cracks. Analysts told Reuters correspondents that this trend may mark a tipping point, as even battleground-state voters who helped return him to the White House are signaling fatigue.
Trump’s approval rating plunges to new second-term low. Even independents now say they’ve had enough. 📉— @PoliticsTracker
One factor fueling the decline, according to CNN reporting, is growing unease over Trump’s handling of international relations. His tense exchanges with NATO leaders, combined with escalating rhetoric toward adversaries like China and Iran, have left many Americans concerned about the risk of global instability. Domestic controversies — ranging from ethics scandals to questions about the administration’s transparency — have only compounded the effect.
Polling experts have noted that Trump’s numbers have historically been resilient, even in moments of crisis. But this drop, highlighted in The Washington Post’s political analysis, appears different. “It’s not one event — it’s accumulation,” one researcher said. “The economy, foreign policy, and questions of competence are all converging at once, and the public is reacting.”
“The cracks in Trump’s base aren’t huge yet, but they’re real. Approval among Republicans is sliding from the 90s into the low 80s. That matters.”— @ElectionWatch24
Economic concerns have also played a significant role. Inflation remains stubborn in certain sectors, while job growth has slowed. A recent Bloomberg breakdown showed that while Wall Street remains cautiously optimistic, everyday Americans are feeling squeezed by higher costs. Disappointment over Trump’s economic promises, especially in rural communities that once formed his strongest base, has started to seep into survey data.
But not all of the discontent stems from policy. Trump’s own words continue to stir controversy. In a rally last week, he described political opponents as “enemies within,” a phrase that alarmed commentators and drew criticism across the aisle. Editorial boards like those at The Los Angeles Times opinion pages have argued that such language is corrosive to democracy, and polls now show that younger voters in particular are deeply uneasy with the president’s rhetoric.
Trump’s rallies still draw crowds, but his rhetoric is alienating swing voters. Approval among 18–29 year olds now under 20%.— @GenZPolitics
The backlash has not gone unnoticed abroad. European leaders, already wary of Trump’s unpredictable diplomacy, have reportedly expressed concerns in private briefings cited by The Financial Times. One diplomat described America under Trump as “unstable, both in words and actions.” For a president who has often equated approval ratings with strength, such global skepticism may sting almost as much as the domestic numbers.
Still, Trump has remained defiant. In a Truth Social post flagged by Politico correspondents, he dismissed the latest polls as “fake news” and insisted his base remains “stronger than ever.” Yet, political strategists warn that denial may not be enough to reverse the slide. “He can’t tweet or post his way out of this one,” one Republican strategist said. “People are living their lives. They’re feeling the pinch in their wallets, and they’re seeing chaos on the news. That’s what’s driving these numbers.”
“Trump calling every bad poll fake news worked once. Now voters are starting to believe their own eyes instead.”— @RealityCheck24
What makes the new numbers especially concerning for Republicans is the timing. With midterm elections on the horizon, vulnerable incumbents fear that Trump’s declining popularity could weigh heavily on down-ballot races. Analysts from Axios breakdowns suggested that a 5–10 point swing among suburban independents could tip several key districts, making the GOP’s majority increasingly fragile.
For Democrats, the poll results are being cited as evidence that their criticisms are resonating. Lawmakers like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez pointed to the surveys during a weekend event, telling supporters: “People are waking up. They’re tired of the chaos, the lies, and the broken promises.” Coverage by MSNBC opinion writers highlighted how Democrats are framing Trump’s dip as a broader referendum on his governing style rather than any single issue.
Despite the grim data, Trump retains a loyal core of supporters who dismiss the polls as biased. On conservative talk radio, hosts have argued that polling organizations undercount rural voters and that Trump’s true support is higher than reported. A column in The Wall Street Journal opinion section went further, suggesting that Trump’s approval dip could actually energize his base, who relish the narrative of being under siege by the media establishment.
“Trump’s supporters still see him as their fighter. Until that changes, approval ratings don’t mean the same thing as for other presidents.”— @RightViewDaily
Even so, historians note that approval ratings often serve as reliable indicators of presidential influence. As noted in History.com’s analysis of presidential popularity, sustained lows often weaken a president’s ability to push legislation or negotiate with foreign leaders. For Trump, whose governing style has always relied on projecting strength, slipping numbers may make it increasingly difficult to maintain the aura of dominance that has defined his political career.
As the dust settles on this latest round of polling, one thing is clear: Trump’s presidency is entering a turbulent phase. Whether the decline in approval marks a temporary dip or the start of a more permanent downward trend will depend on what happens in the coming months — in the economy, in global affairs, and in the courts. For now, however, the data paints a grim picture of a leader struggling to hold onto public trust in the middle of his second term.
