Trump Disapproval Hits 60% as Democrats Gain 7-Point Lead in Congress Race

The disapproval rating for President Donald Trump reached 60% in a national survey conducted by NBC News, marking the highest level recorded during his two terms. This figure stands in stark contrast to his 40% approval rating and underscores the financial strain felt by a majority of the electorate.

The survey, fielded from October 28 to 30, 2026, reveals that 3 out of 4 registered voters are dissatisfied with the current economic situation. This dissatisfaction is driven by rising prices and a perception that the administration has failed to restore the prosperity promised in 2024. For the first time in 30 years of NBC News polling, more voters (51%) report being financially dissatisfied than satisfied (49%).

Democratic candidates hold a 7-point advantage in the race for Congress, with 52% of voters preferring a Democratic-controlled House and Senate compared to 45% favoring the Republicans. This margin is 2 points higher than the figure recorded in the previous month. Among independent voters, the gap widens to 21 points, a demographic that often decides close races in both chambers.

The economic discontent is translating into a demand for change. Nearly two-thirds of voters want a shift in the direction of the country, with 50% specifically calling for a "deep" change. This represents a new high in NBC News data. Jeff Horwitt, a Democratic pollster at Hart Research Associates who co-conducted the study, noted that the presidency is now defined by the gap between its initial promises and the current economic reality, particularly as prices rise during the conflict with Iran.

Despite the president's low numbers, Republicans retain a narrow advantage in key policy areas. The GOP leads by 2 points on the overall economy, though this margin has shrunk from double digits in previous years. Democrats, however, hold a 1-point lead on inflation, a reversal from 2024 when Republicans dominated that issue. Bill McInturff, a Republican pollster at Public Opinion Strategies, observed that Democrats currently control the agenda for 2026, with only voters who prioritize immigration leaning toward the Republican side.

The party in power is facing internal fractures. While 93% of MAGA Republicans approve of Trump's performance, support has dropped significantly among non-MAGA Republicans, where 46% now disapprove of his management. A 2024 Trump voter from Texas who plans to support Democrats in this year's congressional race explained the shift by saying, "The Republicans have shown they are not trustworthy. So I prefer a change in the balance of power to maintaining control by a single party."

Voter enthusiasm for the midterms is high, with 70% rating their interest as a 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale. Democrats lead by 12 points among the most engaged voters, while Republicans hold a 2-point advantage among less interested groups. However, the political map remains difficult for the opposition. Republicans have a favorable terrain for 2026, as Democrats must win districts and states that Trump carried in 2024 to reclaim the House and Senate.

In the states Trump won in 2024, his net approval is negative. 53% of registered voters in those areas disapprove of his job performance, compared to 47% who approve. This is a 10-point drop from March 2025. The challenge for Democrats is that their party remains deeply unpopular, with only 29% of voters holding a favorable opinion, compared to 38% for the Republicans. Nearly half of voters view both parties negatively, creating a volatile environment for the Tuesday elections.