Trump’s Approval Rating Slips Amid Inflation Worries as Democrats Gain Edge for Midterms

Washington, June 15: US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level of his second term, as rising inflation and economic uncertainty continue to shape voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 Congressional elections, according to a new NBC News poll released on Sunday.

The survey found that Trump’s job approval rating among registered voters now stands at 42 per cent, down two percentage points from 44 per cent recorded earlier this spring. The latest figure marks the lowest approval rating of his second term so far, highlighting growing concerns over the economy despite the administration’s efforts to reassure the public.

The poll also indicated that Democrats currently hold a modest advantage on the generic Congressional ballot, leading Republicans by five percentage points. Though still early in the election cycle, the findings offer an initial glimpse into voter preferences ahead of the crucial 2026 midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.

Economic concerns continue to dominate public discourse, with inflation emerging once again as a major issue for American voters. Rising energy prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, have added pressure to household budgets and intensified worries about the cost of living.

Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press, President Trump expressed confidence that inflation would ease once geopolitical tensions subside.

“Our numbers were great. You know what I really love? I love the inflation,” Trump said. “When the war’s over, it’s coming down. It’s going to come down like a rock.”

However, the latest survey suggests that many Americans remain unconvinced about the nation’s economic trajectory. The poll revealed a broader sense of pessimism regarding the country’s future, with nearly six in ten respondents saying America’s best days are behind it rather than ahead.

NBC chief data analyst Steve Kornacki noted that while many Americans still take pride in their country, confidence in national institutions has weakened considerably over time.

The survey found that 56 per cent of respondents described themselves as either “extremely proud” or “very proud” to be American — a significant decline from the roughly 75 per cent recorded at the beginning of the century.

Political divisions were also evident in the findings. Republicans were far more likely than Democrats to express confidence in institutions such as the military and law enforcement agencies. Democrats, meanwhile, showed greater trust in colleges, universities and academic institutions.

At the same time, the poll highlighted widespread scepticism toward several key institutions, including Congress, the federal government, the Supreme Court and the news media.

Democratic leaders have argued that rising costs remain the central concern for many American families. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said voters are increasingly frustrated by the high cost of living.

“America’s far too expensive. The cost of living is way too high,” Jeffries said. “There are far too many people who are working hard. They’re playing by the rules. But they can’t thrive and can barely survive.”

Republicans, however, maintain that voters continue to remember inflation and immigration challenges during the previous administration and believe those issues could work in their favour during the next election cycle.

The 2026 midterm elections are widely expected to serve as the first major referendum on Trump’s second-term agenda. Historically, the party occupying the White House often faces electoral headwinds during midterm contests, making economic performance and public confidence crucial factors in shaping political outcomes.

With inflation, energy prices and global instability remaining at the forefront of voter concerns, both parties are preparing for what is expected to be a fiercely contested battle for control of Congress next year.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)