A recent national poll indicates a dip in public approval for former US President Donald Trump, with economic anxieties casting a shadow over his political standing ahead of a crucial election year. The latest data from the NBC News Decision Desk Poll, conducted in partnership with SurveyMonkey, shows Trump's approval rating at 42% against a 58% disapproval rate.
Shifting Political Loyalties and Core Support Erosion
The survey, which sampled 20,252 adults between November 20 and December 8, reveals a noticeable slide from a 45% approval rating recorded in April. This decline is mirrored within Trump's own political base. Support among the core 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) movement now shows 70% strong approval, a significant drop from 78% in April.
Traditional Republican voters also report a decrease in strong approval, hinting at emerging fractures within the party coalition. This softening of support signals potential challenges as the party gears up for next year's midterm elections, where voter enthusiasm is critical.
Economic Pain Drives Voter Discontent
The primary driver behind the shifting sentiment appears to be widespread concern over the nation's economic health. Persistent inflation and the rising cost of essential items like housing, food, and healthcare are directly impacting American households' financial decisions.
Over half of the respondents admitted to cutting back on groceries, entertainment, and holiday spending to manage their budgets. The pain is not felt equally: 45% of lower earners (under $50,000 annually) say their finances have worsened, with housing and food as top worries. In contrast, only 24% of higher earners (over $100,000) report improvement, though they remain concerned about retirement and healthcare costs.
Partisan Divide on Economic Management
The poll highlights a clear partisan split on who is trusted to handle these rising costs. Overall, 53% of Americans trust the Democratic Party more on this issue, compared to 47% for the Republican Party. This Democratic advantage is pronounced among key demographic groups:
- African Americans (77%)
- Women (61%)
- Latino voters (60%)
- Young adults (59%)
- Political independents (55%)
Implications for the Upcoming Midterm Elections
The combined trends of slipping approval and economic discontent could reshape the political landscape for the 2024 midterms. The survey identifies specific groups where Trump's support is showing signs of decline, including voters who supported him in 2024, adults with a high school education or less, older Americans (particularly women over 65), and Black and Hispanic voters.
These shifts suggest Republicans may face headwinds if they rely solely on energising their traditional and MAGA-aligned bases, as broader economic concerns take centre stage for many voters. The poll carries a margin of error of ±1.9 percentage points, providing a robust snapshot of the current national mood.
In related political news, Trump recently secured a procedural win as a DC circuit court allowed the National Guard to remain deployed in the capital, a decision with its own political ramifications.
