Summary (tl;dr)

The latest New York Times/Siena College poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to a second-term low of 37%, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with his handling of the Iran war and ongoing economic concerns like inflation and the cost of living.

Essential Background

President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025. Presidential approval ratings are key indicators of public sentiment regarding the President's performance and are often seen as predictors for midterm election outcomes. Polls, such as those conducted by The New York Times in collaboration with Siena College, regularly survey registered voters across the United States to gauge these ratings and assess public opinion on various national issues.

The Full Story

A recent New York Times/Siena College poll, conducted from May 11-15, 2026, indicates President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 37%, marking an all-time low in his second term and representing a four-point decrease since January. This decline is largely attributed to voter discontent over the ongoing Iran war, with more than 60% of respondents believing that Trump's decision to engage in the war was the wrong choice. Additionally, economic anxieties, including high inflation and the rising cost of living, are significant factors, as nearly half of the voters surveyed now rate the economy as "poor". The poll also revealed a substantial shift in favor of Democrats, who now hold a double-digit lead (50% to 39%) over Republicans among registered voters when asked about their support for congressional candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.

Why It Matters

The considerable drop in President Trump's approval rating to a historic low for a sitting president in the past 17 years is a critical development as the November midterm elections approach. Historically, low presidential approval ratings often foreshadow difficulties for the president's party in midterm elections, suggesting that Republicans may face a challenging electoral environment in their bid to control Congress. The widespread dissatisfaction with the economy and the Iran conflict highlights key vulnerabilities for the administration and could strongly influence voter behavior, potentially leading to increased support for opposition candidates.

Geographic Location

• United States (national survey on presidential approval)
• New York City, New York, United States (headquarters of The New York Times, co-commissioner of the poll)
• Loudonville, Albany County, New York, United States (location of Siena College, co-commissioner of the poll)