NBC News Poll Shows Record Midterm Opposition to Donald Trump

An NBC News poll published September 20, 2026, shows that 43 percent of registered American voters intend to use the midterm elections to signal opposition to Donald Trump. This represents the highest level of opposition recorded in NBC News midterm polling over the last three decades. The president's approval rating has fallen to 41 percent, a second-term low driven by dissatisfaction with military strikes in Iran, immigration policies, and tariffs.

Economic concerns are a primary driver of the decline. Fifty-five percent of voters believe Trump's policies have harmed the economy, an increase from 48 percent in March. Voters increasingly link the ongoing war with Iran to rising inflation and higher gas prices, with 57 percent stating they are less likely to support candidates who favor the conflict.

Democrats currently hold a five-point lead over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot, 50 percent to 45 percent. Prediction markets on Kalshi place the probability of a Democratic sweep of both the House and Senate at 58 percent. However, Republican pollster Bill McInturff noted that favorable electoral geography may still benefit the GOP, particularly in Senate races.

The White House dismissed the findings, asserting that the president has accomplished more for the American people than any other president in history. Spokesperson Davis Ingle stated that the president is working tirelessly to create jobs and cool inflation.