As President Donald Trump prepares for high-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, new polling underscores a widening transatlantic gap in how his leadership is perceived. A survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute found that 73% of Israelis consider Trump a better-than-average U.S. president for Israel's interests, while an NBC News Decision Desk poll shows his approval rating at home has dropped to 39%, the lowest of his second term.
Nearly half of Israelis surveyed-49%-said Trump ranks among the best American presidents in history for Israel. The poll was conducted shortly before his expected meeting with Netanyahu, reinforcing the perception that his policies, including recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and strong wartime backing, continue to resonate deeply with Israeli voters.
The data reveal stark ideological divides within Israel. Among right-wing voters, 92% describe Trump's presidency as above average for Israel, and 73% say he is one of the best ever. By contrast, only 34% of left-leaning Israelis view him positively. Even so, nearly half of respondents believe Americans themselves would rate Trump as above average or among the best presidents.
That assumption diverges sharply from U.S. polling. A Siena College and New York Times survey found just 19% of Americans consider Trump one of the best presidents, while 42% think he will be remembered as one of the worst. The NBC Decision Desk poll paints a similarly divided picture domestically.
Immigration, once a pillar of Trump's political strength, has become a vulnerability. According to NBC's findings:
- 39% overall approval rating
- 49% strongly disapprove of his handling of immigration, up from 34% in April
- 62% distrust federal investigations into recent immigration-related shootings
- Nearly 75% say ICE should be reformed or abolished
The shift accelerated after the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good during immigration raids in Minnesota. Video footage circulating online intensified public scrutiny and sharpened partisan divides.
Marc Trussler, an NBC analyst, said: "In these elections that are won on the margins, particularly in the swing states, independents are a really critical group." He added, "To see them shift so heavily on one of the president's key priorities is really telling."
Public confidence in enforcement tactics appears strained. About 63% disapprove of officers wearing masks during raids, and opinion remains split over cooperation between local authorities and federal deportation efforts.
Meanwhile, Israeli respondents expressed confidence in their own country's recent military campaign. The JPPI poll found 54% believe Israel emerged victorious in Gaza, including 83% of right-wing voters. Political divisions remain pronounced, but the broader sentiment suggests enduring support for hardline security policies-an alignment that mirrors Israeli approval of Trump's approach.
