President Donald Trump's approval rating has reached a record low for his second term, according to a New York Times/Siena poll released Monday. The survey shows Democrats opening up a double-digit lead on the generic ballot ahead of this year's midterm elections.
Discontent Over Iran War and Economy
The poll indicates widespread dissatisfaction with Trump's presidency, with the economy and his decision to launch a war with Iran being the primary factors driving his approval to new lows. Only 30% of voters believe launching the war was the right decision, and by a 55% to 21% margin, voters think the war will not be worth its cost.
Approval Ratings
Fifty-nine percent of registered voters disapprove of how Trump is handling his job, while just 37% approve. The number of voters who strongly disapprove, 49%, more than doubles the 23% who strongly approve. Majorities of white voters without a college degree and Republicans approve, but only 19% of voters aged 18-29 and 20% of Hispanic voters do.
On economic issues, 64% disapprove of Trump's handling, and 70% disapprove of his handling of the cost of living. Nearly two-thirds disapprove of his handling of the war with Iran.
Midterm Election Implications
The survey shows Democrats leading on the generic ballot, with 50% of registered voters preferring a Democratic candidate for Congress versus 39% for Republicans. Notably, 8% of 2024 Trump voters now prefer a Democrat in 2026, and independents break for Democrats by a 51% to 33% margin.
The Times and Siena College surveyed 1,507 registered voters nationwide from May 11 to May 15. The poll's margin of error is plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.
