Donald Trump at 47% approval rating, strong on immigration, weak on inflation: New Poll

US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has reached 47%, equaling his best-ever mark as president, according to the latest NBC News poll. However, a 51% majority still disapproves of his performance.

Economic concerns dominate voter sentiment

Voters remain pessimistic about the economy, with just 18% rating it as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’, while 43% say it is ‘poor’. Trump’s handling of the economy receives 44% approval and 54% disapproval. On inflation and the cost of living, 55% disapprove, and only 42% approve of his efforts.

Trump’s standing among independents and gender gap

Among independent voters, Trump’s approval rating remains low, with 30% approving and 67% disapproving of his performance. A gender divide is also evident: 55% of men approve of Trump, while 58% of women disapprove.

Trump performs strongly on immigration

Trump’s highest approval comes on border security and immigration, where 55% of voters approve, and 43% disapprove. Additionally, 56% believe he is bringing the “right kind of change” to immigration policy.

Mixed reviews on foreign policy and war in Ukraine

On foreign policy, 45% approve, and 53% disapprove of Trump’s handling of international affairs. His approach to the Russia-Ukraine war is similarly divisive, with 42% approval and 55% disapproval.

Financial struggles for many households

The poll reveals 60% of voters say their family’s income is falling behind the cost of living, while 32% say they are keeping up, and 7% report their income is rising faster.

Inflation response leaves many unsatisfied

A majority of voters (55%) are dissatisfied with Trump’s handling of inflation, including 46% who are ‘not at all satisfied’. Only 23% are ‘very satisfied’, while 20% are ‘somewhat satisfied’.

Trump’s impact on change in government

When asked whether Trump is bringing the right kind of change, 46% agree, while 30% say he is bringing the wrong change, and 21% say he isn’t bringing change at all. On inflation, 40% say he is making the right changes, while 30% say he is making the wrong ones.

Trade and tariffs policy divides voters

On trade and tariffs, 41% approve of Trump’s changes, 38% say he is bringing the wrong change, and 18% believe he isn’t making changes at all.

Democratic Party faces record-low popularity

Only 27% of registered Democrats say they have a positive view of their own party, with just 7% saying it is ‘very’ positive. In contrast, 55% of Democratic voters hold a negative view of the party, with 38% describing it as ‘very’ negative.

Divisions within the Democratic Party

The Democratic Party remains divided, with 65% of Democrats wanting congressional members to stick to their positions, even at the risk of losing bipartisan progress. Only 32% favor legislative compromises with Trump.

2026 midterm elections remain a toss-up

The poll shows a closely divided electorate, with 48% of voters favoring Democratic control of Congress and 47% preferring Republican control, while 5% remain undecided.

Public perception of Congressional actions on Trump

Voters are divided on how Congress is handling Trump. While 53% believe Republicans have been too supportive, 50% say Democrats have been too critical. 39% approve of how the GOP is dealing with Trump, compared to 30% approval for Democrats.

DOGE and Musk’s popularity

The poll also gauged opinions on DOGE’s impact on federal government changes. 46% believe it was a good idea, while 40% say it was bad. However, 41% hold a positive view of DOGE, while 47% hold a negative view. Meanwhile, Elon Musk remains unpopular, with 51% viewing him negatively and 39% positively.

Divided opinions on federal spending cuts

Voters are split on federal spending reductions under DOGE, with 33% calling it reckless, 28% saying it should slow down, and 33% believing more cuts are necessary. Additionally, 27% say they or someone they know has been negatively affected by reductions in federal benefits and services.

The poll’s methodology

The NBC News poll surveyed 1,000 registered voters between March 7-11 through telephone interviews and online surveys. The poll has a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points.