President Donald Trump’s immigration approval ratings have plunged to a new second-term low, sending shockwaves through Washington as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
A new Morning Consult poll reveals Trump’s net approval rating on immigration now sits at +4 percentage points, marking a seven-point drop since January. Immigration has long been one of Trump’s strongest policy areas, making this sudden decline a serious warning sign for his administration.
Trump’s Immigration Agenda Under Pressure
Since retaking the White House, Trump has prioritized immigration reform, promising to:
- Secure the border with more agents, barriers, and technology.
- Carry out mass deportations of those in the U.S. illegally.
- End federal benefits for individuals entering the country unlawfully.
These bold policies have thrilled his America First base, but also sparked relentless attacks from Democrats, the media, and open-border activists.
“I don’t think this will hurt Trump immediately, but voters are viewing immigration as more nuanced than in past years,” said Heath Brown, a public policy professor at the City University of New York.
Poll Breakdown: Declining Support
Morning Consult found:
- January 2025: 56% approved of Trump’s handling of immigration.
- July 2025: Approval slipped to 51%.
- August 2025: Support dropped again to 49%, with 45% disapproving.
While nearly half of voters still back Trump’s policies, this is the narrowest margin since he began his second term. Historically, immigration has been one of Trump’s most popular policy areas, making this trend concerning for Republicans as the midterms loom.
The Bigger Picture: Other Polls Show Mixed Results
Other recent surveys paint a more complex picture of Trump’s presidency:
- An AP-NORC poll in August showed overall approval climbing 5 points, from 40% in July to 45% in August.
- 53% approve of Trump’s handling of crime, strongly backing his plan to deploy the National Guard and military to help local police combat rising crime rates.
- However, 55% oppose giving the federal government direct control over local police departments — a sharp contrast showing voters want tough action without federal overreach.
Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress hold a 10-point lead over Democrats when voters are asked which party they trust more on immigration policy.
Homeland Security Launches Crackdown
As polling numbers shift, the Department of Homeland Security has announced a new reimbursement program for state and local law enforcement agencies that cooperate with ICE.
The focus? Targeting the “worst of the worst” criminal illegal immigrants — violent offenders and cartel-linked traffickers who endanger American communities. This move directly challenges sanctuary city policies that shield dangerous individuals from deportation.
Why This Matters for the Midterms
The 2026 midterm elections will decide whether Trump has a cooperative Congress to advance his America First agenda or faces obstruction from the left.
Democrats are already weaponizing immigration to energize their base, pushing for open borders, amnesty programs, and more federal spending on benefits for those here illegally.
For Trump and conservatives, maintaining strong voter support on immigration is critical to keeping the border secure and protecting American sovereignty.
Bottom Line
Trump’s immigration approval ratings may be slipping, but his core policies still resonate with millions of Americans who demand border security and law enforcement accountability.
As the midterms approach, voters will face a stark choice:
- Support Trump’s America First vision to defend the nation’s borders.
- Or back Democrats who continue to prioritize illegal immigrants over law-abiding citizens.
The stakes have never been higher — and both parties know it.