As 2025 kicks off, voters aren’t feeling great about the economy—or how President Donald Trump is handling it. Even though his re-election sparked a wave of optimism about the country’s direction, a new NBC News poll shows a majority of Americans still think the U.S. is on the wrong track.
Republicans, however, are rallying behind Trump and his ambitious agenda in Washington. More voters now say the country is headed in the right direction than at any time since 2004, though it’s still a minority view. Trump’s approval rating is at 47%—his highest ever—but more Americans (51%) still disapprove of his performance.
The economy remains a sore spot, with only 18% of voters rating it as “excellent” or “good.” That’s not quite as low as the worst economic ratings under Biden, but it’s close. A majority disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy (54%) and inflation (55%), a first for him in NBC polling. His early moves, like imposing tariffs on U.S. allies, have rattled businesses and markets, and some voters worry he’s not focused enough on their top concern: the cost of living.
The poll paints a picture of a country still deeply divided after Trump’s 2024 victory—just as it was before the election. While his overall approval rating remains underwater, the gap has narrowed. His personal favorability is growing, and more Republicans identify with the MAGA movement, solidifying his grip on the party.
One shift since his first term: voters are now more supportive of his immigration policies. But they’re less confident in his handling of other issues, particularly foreign policy.
Trump’s new plan to slash government spending—the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—has voters intrigued, but they’re uneasy about its rushed rollout and its high-profile champion, Elon Musk.
Looking ahead to the 2026 midterms, voters are split on which party they want in control. That’s not great news for Democrats, who are struggling with record-low popularity and internal divisions over how to counter Trump.
“While this survey shows a mixed result for Donald Trump, Democrats are the ones in the wilderness right now,” said Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt. His Republican counterpart, Bill McInturff, noted that Trump’s base has only strengthened. The big question now: will voter frustration over the economy take center stage, or will Trump’s solid Republican support keep the 2026 elections competitive?
Trump’s Strengths and Challenges
Trump’s approval rating (47%) and favorability (46%) are at their highest levels in NBC News polling, as is the share of voters (44%) who think the country is moving in the right direction. But those numbers still fall far short of the “honeymoon” periods enjoyed by past presidents. More people (51%) disapprove of his job performance, and nearly half (49%) view him negatively.
And the partisan divide? It’s sharper than ever. Trump has the biggest gap in approval ratings between his own party (90%) and the opposition (4%) of any president in the last 80 years.
As 2025 unfolds, the key question remains: will economic concerns chip away at Trump’s support, or will his strong Republican base carry him through another election cycle?
