Democratic Party popularity crashes to historic lows as voters question leadership and strategy in the wake of Trump’s return to power.
Quick Takes
- The Democratic Party’s popularity has plunged to its lowest point since NBC News began polling in 1990, with only 27% of registered voters holding positive views.
- Confidence in Democratic congressional leadership has hit an all-time low of 25%, dropping dramatically from 34% just last year.
- A staggering 41-point decrease in confidence has occurred among Democratic voters themselves, signaling deep internal party dissatisfaction.
- Independent voters have largely abandoned the Democrats, with only 11% viewing the party positively.
- Democratic voters’ attitudes have reversed since 2017, with 65% now preferring the party hold firm against Trump rather than compromise.
Historic Collapse in Democratic Party Support
The Democratic Party is facing an unprecedented crisis of confidence from American voters. According to the latest NBC News poll, only 27% of registered voters now hold positive views of the party, marking the lowest rating since the network began tracking this metric in 1990. This collapse in support comes in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s return to the White House and Republican gains in Congress. The poll reveals a troubling reality for Democratic leaders: a majority of voters (55%) now view the party negatively, with 38% reporting “very negative” impressions. These numbers signal a fundamental disconnect between the party and the electorate at a critical juncture in American politics.
The Democratic Party’s internal support structure also shows signs of severe strain. A Gallup poll reinforces these findings, showing confidence in Democratic congressional leadership has plummeted to just 25%, down from 34% in 2023. By contrast, Republican congressional leadership enjoys 39% confidence from voters. This 14-point gap between the parties represents a dramatic reversal of fortunes compared to previous years. While the drop in overall support is concerning enough for party leaders, perhaps most alarming is the collapse of confidence among their own base – Democratic voters have reduced their confidence in their congressional leadership by a stunning 41 points in a single year.
Confidence in Congressional Democrats hits all time low in new poll https://t.co/SInkRNAkqn
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 18, 2025
Shifting Voter Attitudes on Compromise
A significant shift has occurred in how Democratic voters view political strategy. In 2017, when Trump first took office, 59% of Democratic voters favored compromising with the president to get things done. Today, that sentiment has reversed completely, with 65% now preferring their representatives stand firm on principles even if it leads to governmental gridlock. This hardening stance reflects growing polarization in American politics and suggests Democratic voters have reassessed their views on bipartisanship. The party base now appears to favor resistance over cooperation, creating tension for legislators who must balance ideological purity with practical governance.
“With these numbers, the Democratic Party is not in need of a rebrand. It needs to be rebooted,” said Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt.
Independent voters, crucial for electoral success in many swing districts, have largely turned away from Democrats. The NBC poll shows only 11% of independents view the Democratic Party positively. This exodus of unaffiliated voters represents a significant threat to Democrats’ electoral prospects in upcoming cycles. Without substantial support from this group, the party faces steep challenges in competitive districts across the country. Congressional Democrats must find ways to appeal beyond their base while not alienating their increasingly resistant core supporters who demand stronger opposition to the Republican agenda.
Leadership Crisis and Electoral Implications
Democratic congressional leaders face mounting criticism from within their own ranks for perceived ineffectiveness against the Trump administration. With Republicans now controlling the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, Democratic legislators find themselves in a defensive position with limited tools to advance their agenda. The internal discord extends beyond Capitol Hill, as rank-and-file Democrats express disappointment with their leadership’s inability to effectively counter Republican initiatives or articulate a compelling alternative vision for the country.
Looking ahead to the 2026 midterms, the polls indicate a closely divided electorate when it comes to congressional control. Despite the Democratic Party’s historically low approval ratings, voters remain split on which party should lead Congress, with 48% favoring Democrats and 47% preferring Republicans. This suggests the party could still remain competitive in upcoming elections if it addresses its current weaknesses. However, additional national polls from Quinnipiac University, CNN, and NBC News all confirm a troubling trend of declining favorable ratings that must be reversed if Democrats hope to regain lost ground in future electoral contests.
