Voters 'Fed Up With Those in Power,' Pollster Says as Trump Faces Broad Disapproval

A majority of registered voters disapprove of President Donald Trump's handling of several major issues at the start of the midterm election year, while Democrats hold a modest advantage in the fight for control of Congress, according to a new national poll conducted by NBC News.

The survey found voters giving the president negative marks on immigration, tariffs, inflation and the U.S. conflict with Iran. At the same time, Democrats lead Republicans by 6 percentage points on the generic congressional ballot, with 50% of registered voters saying they prefer Democratic control of Congress compared with 44% favoring Republicans.

"The electoral data points, together with views of President Trump and majorities disapproving of his actions on Iran and inflation, and the profound levels of anger at the establishment — all point to an American electorate that is once again fed up with those in power and looking for change wherever they can find it," said Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt of Hart Research Associates, who conducted the survey alongside Republican pollster Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies.

Voters gave the president his lowest marks on the economy. Sixty-two percent disapprove of Trump's handling of inflation and the cost of living, compared with 36% who approve. Nearly half of respondents, 48%, say Trump's policies have hurt the economy, while 35% say they have helped.

Tariffs also drew criticism, with 55% of voters saying Trump's they have harmed the economy, while 33% saying they have helped.

The poll also found a majority of voters opposing the U.S. strikes on Iran. The survey was conducted from February 27 to March 3, as the war started and the first midterm primaries took place.

On immigration, voters are divided. While 54% disapprove of Trump's handling of immigration enforcement, 53% approve of his management of border security. The survey was conducted before Trump dismissed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who had been closely associated with the administration's immigration policies.

More than half of voters say they have negative views of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while 38% view the agency positively. At the same time, a plurality of voters, 43%, say they have negative views of so-called sanctuary cities.

The survey also found shifts in public attitudes toward voting laws. Fifty-one percent of voters say they are more concerned about preventing ineligible voters from casting ballots, while 47% prioritize ensuring that everyone who wants to vote can do so.

Despite their lead in the congressional preference question, Democrats face challenges of their own. When asked which party would do a better job handling voters' top issues, Democrats hold a narrower 48% to 45% advantage.