How Trump's poll numbers now compare compare to 2018: From the Politics Desk

From the Politics DeskHow Trump's poll numbers now compare compare to 2018: From the Politics DeskPlus, why the Virginia redistricting vote ended up being so close. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00President Donald Trump waves during a rally in Topeka, Kan., on Oct. 6, 2018.Nicholas Kamm / AFP via Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 23, 2026, 5:08 PM EDTBy The Politics DeskWelcome to From the Politics Desk, a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.In today’s edition, Jonathan Allen breaks down yet another batch of ominous poll numbers for President Donald Trump and the GOP. Plus, our Decision Desk dives into the precinct-level results to explain why the Virginia redistricting election was so close.And for the sports fans planning to tune into tonight’s NFL Draft, make sure to check out our colleague Ben Kamisar’s mock draft. Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.— Adam WollnerTrump's poll numbers are worse now than just before the 2018 midtermsAnalysis by Jonathan AllenFirst, the good news for President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress: There is time — about six months — to stop the bleeding and heal before the midterm elections. Now, the bad news: Trump’s overall approval rating and Americans’ views of the economy, their top issue, are far lower today than they were just before the GOP lost the House in the 2018 midterms.A Fox News survey released yesterday evening finds that 34% of registered voters approve of Trump’s handling of the economy. In October 2018, that figure was 49%, according to Fox. The poll didn’t measure how voters felt Trump was handling inflation specifically back then, but today’s number is anemic at 28%. The fresh data aligns closely with an NBC News Decision De...