A bombshell new survey released this week reveals that President Donald Trump is facing his highest level of public disapproval since the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riots five years ago. As the nation grapples with the fallout from controversial federal enforcement operations, the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll paints a grim picture for the administration’s standing with the American public.
The Numbers: A Nation Divided
According to the Marist data, Trump’s overall approval rating has plummeted to a shocking 39%, while 56% of Americans now say they disapprove of his leadership. Perhaps more concerning for the White House is the intensity of this opposition: a record-breaking 51% of respondents stated they “strongly disapprove” of the job he is doing. This marks the highest “strong disapproval” rating Marist has recorded since it began tracking this metric in 2017.
The president’s struggles are not limited to general sentiment. He is currently “underwater” on several critical fronts:
- The Economy: 59% of Americans disapprove of his handling of economic issues.
- Foreign Policy: 56% disapprove of his current international strategy.
- Domestic Order: Massive backlash regarding recent immigration tactics.
The “Minnesota Factor” and ICE Backlash
The catalyst for this recent slump appears to be the tragic events in Minnesota last month. The fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both 37, during federal immigration operations have ignited a firestorm of criticism. The poll found that 65% of Americans believe Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has “gone too far”—an 11-point surge in disapproval since last summer.
The public outcry has been so palpable that it forced a rare moment of introspection from the president. After the administration pulled 700 federal agents from Minnesota, Trump was asked what he had learned from the deadly operations.
“I learned that maybe we can use a little bit of a softer touch,” Trump conceded during an NBC interview, though he quickly added that leadership “still has to be tough.”
The Desertion of the Voting Coalition
Political analysts suggest the drop is fueled by more than just partisan opposition. Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, notes a significant shift within Trump’s own 2024 voting coalition. Key groups that previously backed the 79-year-old president—including Latinos, young voters, and independents—are increasingly distancing themselves from the administration.
Among independents, the numbers are particularly stark: only 30% approve of his performance. Many in this group cite the administration’s focus on “culture war” issues like the incursion into Venezuela, tariff disputes, and even flirtations with seizing control of Greenland as distractions from pressing domestic concerns.
A Call for “Kitchen Table” Focus
Despite the administration’s emphasis on high-profile raids and geopolitical maneuvering, the average American voter remains focused on their wallet. The survey found that 54% of respondents believe the president should abandon divisive tactics and focus on “kitchen table” issues—specifically lowering prices and fighting inflation.
While Trump’s core MAGA base remains largely loyal—with 85% still approving of his job performance—the thinning of his broader support suggests a difficult road ahead for the Republican party as the 2026 midterms approach.
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Trump says his immigration crackdown could use ‘softer touch’ This video provides the direct context and footage of President Trump’s “softer touch” comments, which were a pivotal reaction to the polling and events mentioned in the story.