President Donald Trump’s approval rating has reached a new low of 39% during his second term, according to a recent NBC News poll released on June 14 — his 80th birthday. This marks the lowest approval rating for Trump in an NBC poll since the early days of his first term. The poll also showed that 62% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Trump, a record high for his presidency, as reported by the Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey.

Struggles in Rural America

Rural support for Trump has also declined significantly, with his approval rating in rural areas dropping to 50% in June from 60% in February 2025, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The decline is attributed to dissatisfaction with his handling of economic and cost-of-living issues, particularly as gas and grocery prices surge due in part to the ongoing war with Iran. A similar poll from NBC showed that 49% of registered voters want Democrats to take control of Congress in the upcoming midterms, while 44% prefer Republican control.

Washington Renovations and Legacy Projects

Despite the political headwinds. Trump has been focusing on a series of high-profile projects to renovate Washington, D.C., including a new ballroom at the White House, resurfacing the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, and the proposed construction of a 250-foot arch near the Lincoln Memorial. During a recent tour of the Kennedy Center, Trump sought input from Sen. Lindsey Graham on the new seats being considered for the venue, a project that Graham described as “only in America” would be picking out seats for a cultural institution.

Trump’s efforts to rework the city’s scene are seen by some as a form of “therapy,” according to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. With no more races to run and the clock ticking on his final term, Trump is determined to leave a legacy that includes a personal imprint on Washington’s aesthetics.

End of an Era in Polling

Meanwhile, Gallup has announced it will discontinue measuring the approval ratings of individual political figures, including Trump, in favor of focusing on broader thematic and policy-oriented polls. This decision comes as Trump has intensified his criticism of the press, according to a report from Frankfurter Rundschau, while the move marks the end of a long-standing tradition in U.S. polling that began with George Gallup’s early work in the 1930s.

As Trump’s presidency enters its final stretch, the nation remains deeply divided on his performance, particularly on economic issues. With the Iran war continuing to drive inflation and the Strait of Hormuz partially blockaded, many Americans are struggling with rising prices and an uncertain economic outlook.