Poll Shows Trump’s Immigration Ratings Plummet as Americans Lose Confidence in His Signature Issue
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a striking shift that could reshape political conversations across the country, a new NBC News Decision Desk poll powered by SurveyMonkey reveals that President Donald Trump’s approval on immigration — once considered one of his strongest political assets — is now collapsing among Americans. The decline in confidence comes as the nation grapples with controversial immigration enforcement actions, painful clashes between federal agents and local communities, and growing public concern about how Washington handles one of the most emotionally charged issues in American life.
For much of his political career, Trump has staked his reputation on a hardline approach to border control and immigration enforcement. But recent data shows that the very issue many thought would secure his support may now be eroding his standing with the public — especially with critical voters in swing states ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Immigration Approval Slides Sharply
According to the NBC News Decision Desk poll, only about 39% of Americans now approve of Trump’s handling of immigration and border security, down significantly from earlier in his presidency. In contrast, 53% disapprove, marking a dramatic shift in public opinion on an issue that once buoyed his political strength.
Historically, Trump’s immigration stance — focused on stricter border enforcement and reducing undocumented immigration — aligned with many Republican voters’ priorities and helped him secure the presidency in 2024. But the new polling shows that independents — a key group in modern elections — are now driving a substantial portion of the disapproval, registering an 11-point increase in dissatisfaction since last summer.
“This kind of shift among independents is especially worrying for any administration,” said Marc Trussler, a senior elections analyst for NBC News’ Decision Desk. “When the group that often decides close elections starts moving away from you on a key issue, that’s significant.”
Why the Shift? Recent Events and Public Perception
The drop in confidence comes against a backdrop of several contentious moments: federal immigration agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during aggressive enforcement operations, public outcry over masked agents and militarized tactics, and a growing call among Americans to rethink the role and power of immigration enforcement agencies.
In particular:
- 60% of poll respondents said they somewhat or strongly disapprove of Trump’s immigration approach in the wake of the shootings and clashes.
- Approval of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sunk to just 34%, a historically low number that puts the agency’s public image near that of traditionally unpopular global actors.
- A strong majority want serious reform or abolition of ICE, with more Americans saying immigration officers have gone too far in their actions.
These figures form part of a larger disconnect between the Trump administration’s intentions and public sentiment. While federal authorities have defended their tactics as necessary for border security, many Americans feel those actions have strayed into areas that disrupt communities, spark fear, and undermine trust in law enforcement.
Nationwide Mood Reflects Deep Concern
The poll also reveals broader disillusionment with the direction of the country. Roughly 65% of those surveyed said they believe the United States is on the wrong track, underscoring the depth of unease many Americans feel about national leadership and priorities.
These concerns are not limited to immigration. Other recent polls have shown that confidence in Trump’s handling of the economy and other key issues has also dipped, contributing to an overall slide in approval. For instance, separate polling indicates that Trump’s overall job approval is around 39–41%, one of the lowest marks of his second term.
But immigration — once a lodestar that set Trump apart from political rivals — has now become a liability in the eyes of many voters. A growing share of Americans, including independents and moderate Republicans, now say the administration’s enforcement tactics have gone too far, particularly in the wake of violent confrontations between agents and civilians.
Political Implications as Midterms Near
With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the poll’s findings could have serious consequences for both parties. Immigration was once seen as a policy strength for Republicans, a clear differentiator in debates over border security and national identity. Now, with disapproval numbers rising and independents shifting their views, that advantage may shrink at a crucial time.
Political strategists say this shift may force Republican leaders to reconsider messaging on immigration as they seek to retain control of Congress and defend governorships in competitive states. Meanwhile, Democrats are likely to use these poll results to argue that Trump’s leadership is out of touch with average Americans’ priorities and concerns.
On the Ground: What Americans Are Saying
Across coffee shops, family gatherings, and online discussions, the poll’s findings reflect real emotions from people on both sides of the debate:
- Some Americans say they still value strong border security but worry that recent enforcement efforts have crossed a line, harming innocent people and creating fear in immigrant communities.
- Others argue that the federal government should return to a more balanced approach that prioritizes both law enforcement and fairness.
One registered voter in Ohio told a local news outlet, “I voted for strong immigration policy, but not this. It feels like something has changed, and I don’t see a clear plan that makes sense for everyone.”
These voices mirror the larger trend captured in the NBC News poll — one of disappointment, frustration, and uncertainty about the nation’s immigration future.
What This Means for America
The steady decline in confidence on immigration policy reveals more than a simple drop in approval ratings. It speaks to a broader shift in how Americans want their country to handle one of its oldest and most complex debates. As Trump’s signature issue becomes less popular, political dynamics will inevitably adjust — and voters will increasingly weigh immigration not just as a policy choice, but as a reflection of national values and empathy.
As 2026 unfolds, one thing is clear: the national conversation about immigration is far from settled, and Trump’s standing on the issue is now as much a referendum on public trust as it is on policy.
