Highlights:
- 71 percent of Indian Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s job performance in 2026, with only 29 percent approving.
- 46 percent identify as Democrats, 19 percent as Republicans, and 29 percent as independents, indicating softer partisan attachment compared to 2020.
- Inflation and jobs rank as the top issues, while majorities disapprove of Trump’s handling of immigration and economic policy.
- 50 percent report experiencing discrimination in the past year, with many citing skin color, country of origin, or religion.
- 68 percent express enthusiasm about Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City mayor, reflecting continued interest in representation and progressive politics.
One year into President Donald Trump’s second term, a new national survey shows that Indian Americans hold largely negative views of Trump’s job performance, while maintaining a Democratic tilt that has softened since 2020.
The 2026 Indian American Attitudes Survey, conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in partnership with YouGov, surveyed 1,000 Indian American adults. The findings indicate broad disapproval of Trump, rising political ambivalence, economic anxiety, and continued concerns about discrimination and immigration policy.
Seventy-one percent of respondents disapprove of the way Trump is handling his job as president, with more than half saying they “strongly disapprove.” Only 29 percent approve. Trump’s approval ratings among Indian Americans are significantly lower than his ratings among the broader US population.
Trump and Party Identification: Democratic Leanings Persist
While Trump faces strong disapproval, the survey shows that dissatisfaction with Trump has not translated into stronger Democratic identification.
Currently, 46 percent of Indian Americans identify as Democrats, down from 52 percent in 2020. Nineteen percent identify as Republicans, reflecting a modest increase. Twenty-nine percent describe themselves as independents, suggesting a shift toward political nonalignment.
Ideologically, the largest share of respondents, 32 percent, identify as moderates. Smaller percentages describe themselves as “extremely” liberal or conservative, indicating that the community remains concentrated toward the political center.
Trump and the Economy: Inflation and Jobs Top Concerns
Economic issues dominate policy priorities among Indian Americans, with Trump’s economic handling drawing significant criticism.
When asked to name the most important issue facing the country, 21 percent selected inflation and prices. Another 17 percent chose jobs and the economy. Health care and immigration followed behind. Foreign policy, including US-India relations, ranked low among immediate concerns.
Majorities disapprove of Trump’s handling of immigration (64 percent), domestic economic policy (68 percent), and international economic policy (70 percent).
On specific immigration proposals associated with Trump, opposition is strong. Large majorities oppose ending birthright citizenship and imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas. The H-1B issue is particularly significant because Indian nationals represent the majority of skilled-worker visa recipients in the United States.
Republican Indian Americans are more supportive of Trump’s immigration policies in general terms. However, support declines when respondents are asked about detailed policy proposals rather than broad principles.
Trump and the 2024 Election: Democratic Margin Narrows
The survey also revisited voting patterns from recent elections involving Trump.
In 2020, Indian Americans supported Democrat Joe Biden by nearly a 70–20 margin over Trump. In 2024, that margin narrowed to approximately 60–30 in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris.
If the election were held again today, 57 percent say they would vote for Harris, while 25 percent would vote for Trump. Ten percent indicate support for third-party candidates, a doubling compared to prior cycles.
A notable shift involves young voters. In 2024, young Indian American men showed increased support for Trump. By early 2026, Trump’s support among them declined by about 16 points. Support also dropped among young women. Despite these changes, Democratic support has not returned to 2020 levels, suggesting that 2020 may represent a high point rather than a baseline.
Trump Era Discrimination Concerns Remain High
Half of Indian Americans surveyed report experiencing discrimination in the past year. Thirty-six percent cite skin color as the reason, 21 percent point to country of origin, and 17 percent identify religion as the basis.
One in four respondents say they have been called a slur since the start of 2025. Smaller shares report physical threats, hate mail, property damage, or assault.
Online environments are a frequent source of concern. Nearly half report seeing anti-Indian racist content on social media somewhat or very often. Fifty percent say such content makes them angry, while about one-third report feeling anxious or fearful.
These experiences have influenced behavior. Nearly one-third say they have avoided discussing politics online to reduce risk. Others report avoiding international travel, political rallies, or wearing traditional Indian attire in public.
Despite these pressures, only 14 percent say they have frequently considered emigrating from the United States. Among those who have considered leaving, frustration with US politics and the cost of living are the primary reasons.
Trump, Representation, and Religious Inclusion
The survey also measured reactions to political figures beyond Trump.
Sixty-eight percent of Indian Americans say they are enthusiastic about the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City. Support appears driven primarily by ideology rather than shared background. Many respondents view him as progressive, while critics describe him as “too liberal.” His Muslim faith and immigrant background influence opinions, but less than political ideology.
Respondents were also asked about remarks by Vice President JD Vance regarding his Hindu wife and the possibility of religious conversion. Large majorities say politicians should be cautious when speaking publicly about a spouse’s religion. Two-thirds reject the idea that it is reasonable to expect a spouse to convert.
These findings reflect sensitivity around religious pluralism and inclusion within the community.
Indian Americans and Trump in 2026
The 2026 survey presents a detailed picture of Indian American attitudes toward Trump and the broader political environment.
Indian Americans remain more Democratic than the national average, but partisan attachment has weakened. Trump faces strong disapproval, particularly on immigration and economic policy. Economic concerns such as inflation and employment outweigh foreign policy considerations.
At the same time, experiences of discrimination are widespread and shape personal behavior, especially online engagement and public participation.
Despite political dissatisfaction and concern about Trump’s policies, most respondents continue to view the United States as a place of opportunity. A majority say they would recommend the country to students or professionals from India, particularly for career prospects.
One year into Trump’s second term, Indian Americans appear politically engaged but cautious. Strong disapproval of Trump coexists with softer Democratic identification, continued economic concern, and ongoing debates over immigration, religion, and representation.
