WASHINGTON — A recent poll indicates that approval of President Donald Trump's management of the government has significantly decreased since the beginning of his second term. The AP-NORC poll reveals that only 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's handling of government operations, a drop from 43% in March. This decline is particularly pronounced among Republicans and independents.

The survey, conducted after recent Democratic victories in off-year elections but before Congress made efforts to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, shows that only 68% of Republicans now approve of Trump's management, down from 81% earlier this year. Independents' approval has also fallen sharply, from 38% to 25%.

The poll results underscore the challenges posed by the government shutdown, which has disrupted air travel, left many federal workers unpaid, and affected food assistance programs for vulnerable populations. While Trump and his administration have attempted to attribute the shutdown to Democrats, many Americans believe both parties share the blame.

Beverly Lucas, a 78-year-old Republican from Ormond Beach, Florida, expressed her frustration, stating, "I’m thoroughly disturbed by the government shutdown for 40-something days." She likened Trump's leadership to that of "a petulant child in the White House, with unmitigated power," and criticized him for hosting a lavish party while many Americans faced hardship.

The poll also found that 95% of Democrats disapprove of Trump's management, an increase from 89% in March. Despite the decline in approval for his government management, Trump's overall approval rating remains relatively stable. Approximately 36% of U.S. adults approve of his overall presidency, consistent with 37% in an October poll.

Key issues such as immigration and the economy have seen little change in approval ratings since last month. Health care has emerged as a significant topic in the shutdown discussions, with Democrats urging Republicans to negotiate on expiring tax credits. Trump's approval rating on health care stands at 34%, a slight increase from 31% in October.

Supporters of Trump, like Susan McDuffie, a 74-year-old Republican from Carson City, Nevada, continue to back him. She stated, "I have great confidence in Trump" and attributes the shutdown's consequences to Democrats. McDuffie criticized Democrats for their perceived lack of concern for the public, particularly regarding food assistance programs.

The poll also highlights a shared sentiment of frustration among voters regarding the shutdown. Nora Bailey, a 33-year-old moderate from Arkansas, remarked, "I truly do believe it’s everybody. Everybody is being stubborn." She expressed concern over delays in government services affecting her family.

As the government shutdown continues, it remains uncertain whether Trump's approval ratings will recover if the situation resolves. However, the ongoing crisis may have lasting effects on public perceptions of his presidency, particularly as his approval ratings on the economy and immigration have also seen slight declines since spring.

Lucas emphasized the need for more constructive conflict resolution, stating, "We need to be addressing these conflicts like intelligent people and not thugs and bullies on the playground."

The AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,143 adults from November 6 to 10, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.