Trump heads to Kansas as new poll shows low approval and growing economic concerns
President Donald Trump is heading to Kansas to campaign ahead of the midterm elections as new polling shows widespread dissatisfaction with his job performance and the direction of the country.
(NBC)- President Donald Trump is heading to Kansas to campaign ahead of the midterm elections as new polling shows widespread dissatisfaction with his job performance and the direction of the country.
With just over two weeks until voters head to the polls, a new NBC News Decision Desk survey finds that 34% of Americans surveyed approve of Trump’s job performance, while 71% believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.
Trump highlighted his administration’s economic record during a campaign appearance in Kentucky over the weekend.
“The average income is the highest it’s ever been, and the poverty number is the best it’s ever been,” Trump said Saturday.
However, many Americans continue to express frustration with the rising cost of living.
At a Colorado food bank, manager Dayna Scott said more families are depending on assistance to meet their basic needs.
“We’re finding a lot more people are relying entirely on us,” Scott said.
The NBC News poll also found that 67% of adults consider gasoline prices a very serious or somewhat serious problem.
In response to rising fuel costs, Trump has sought to lower diesel prices through an agreement allowing Russian diesel to enter the global market.
The administration also waived new sanctions and tariffs against Russia that had been scheduled to take effect this week.
The decision has drawn criticism from lawmakers in both parties and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who argues that easing economic pressure on Russia could strengthen its war effort against Ukraine.
“If United States will support Putin, I mean, it’s unbelievable. It’s a tragedy. It’s a historic mistake and a big tragedy,” Zelenskyy said during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press.
Zelenskyy also emphasized that Ukraine cannot win the war without continued support from the United States.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
“We’ll keep testing every opportunity that presents itself,” Rubio said.
Trump defended his approach in a social media post, saying he does not want to take actions that could drive Russia away from the negotiating table.
The debate over economic policy and U.S. support for Ukraine comes as Republicans campaign to maintain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.
