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A new NBC News poll shows that 43% of American voters want to use the upcoming midterm elections as a direct signal of opposition to President Donald Trump. NBC News chief data analyst Steve Kornacki presented the findings on Meet the Press on September 20, 2026, offering a detailed look at how voters across the country are feeling about both major parties ahead of the vote.
The poll results suggest significant anti-Trump sentiment among a large portion of the electorate. However, the findings also point to what analysts describe as real cracks in the coalition that carried Trump to victory in 2024.
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Voters Signal Discontent Ahead of Midterms
Kornacki’s analysis highlighted a clear mood of political discontent among nearly half of voters surveyed. For many of those respondents, the midterm elections represent an opportunity to send a message directly to the White House. The data suggests that opposition to Trump is a primary motivator for a substantial share of the electorate.
Meanwhile, the poll also revealed broader concerns about affordability and economic pressures. Senator John Barrasso acknowledged those pressures, saying Republicans “need to do more” to ease affordability issues facing American families. At the same time, a former Biden economic adviser argued that Trump bears direct responsibility for persistently high prices.
Democrats and Republicans React to the Numbers
Senator Cory Booker responded to the poll by calling on Democrats to “focus on the people.” He also criticized Trump’s recent decision to ban certain media outlets from the White House, saying the president “has no regard” for the First Amendment. Senator Barrasso, in contrast, argued that those media bans do not violate the U.S. Constitution.
Democrats appear energized by the poll numbers. Several party figures are already discussing what a Democratic-controlled Congress might look like. Questions about potential investigations into the Trump administration surfaced as part of that broader conversation.
Broader Political Landscape
Beyond the top-line figures, the poll revealed divisions within the Republican base. Analysts noted genuine fractures in the Trump coalition that first came together in 2024. Those internal tensions could prove significant as both parties compete for control of Congress.
In Kansas, a Democratic Senate candidate pushed back against attacks from Vice President JD Vance on matters of faith, calling them a sign of “desperation.” In Kentucky, another Democratic candidate pledged to “repair the damage that Mitch McConnell has caused.” Both candidates appear to be running campaigns closely tied to the national anti-Trump message reflected in the NBC News poll.
As the midterm elections approach, the NBC News data makes clear that voter sentiment remains deeply divided. For Democrats, the 43% figure represents a meaningful opportunity. For Republicans, it signals a challenging political environment that the party will need to navigate carefully in the months ahead.
