Donald Trump, as the current president, faces challenges with his popularity. Recent surveys indicate he has a considerable task ahead with the approaching midterms. Despite painting a positive picture of the country’s economy and inflation status, these polls show he’s struggling to convince the public.
Trump’s tenure has been marked by various controversies and difficult situations, such as immigration policies and international disputes, notably regarding Greenland. These issues have seemingly impacted his approval ratings negatively.
Multiple polls reveal growing dissatisfaction among Americans with Trump’s leadership. His initial second-term support is waning, with more people expressing concerns now.
A survey from January, brought by AP-NORC, found that 59% of U.S. citizens disapprove of Trump’s performance, with only 40% showing approval. This survey was conducted through January 8, 2026.
The Shift in Trump’s Approval Ratings
The survey went deeper, analyzing Trump’s handling of key issues: economy, immigration, and foreign policy.
For economic management, 37% approve of Trump’s actions while 62% disapprove. The sentiment is similar for immigration, with 38% showing approval and 61% disapproval. Foreign policy and trade performances also reflect a 37% approval rate, contrasted by a 61% disapproval rate.
All surveys carry a margin of error, and results can fluctuate between different demographic groups. However, other polling sources reflect a similar trend.
The New York Times, alongside Siena University, rated Trump’s approval at approximately 40%, with significant dissatisfaction concerning the national economy and its trajectory.
Other recent surveys place Trump’s approval at 45% according to the Wall Street Journal, and 41% as per Reuters/Ipsos. RealClearPolitics reveals a national poll average showing Trump has a 42% approval rating, with 55% disapproval.
Trump’s Bold Reaction to Polling Accusations
Trump’s ratings went under 50% last March and have stagnated around that level.
“Republican support remains pretty solid,” notes Republican pollster Daron Shaw while mentioning the steadfast opposition from Democrats, as discussed with Fox News.
Following these polling figures, Trump has actively criticized media outlets and polling institutions.
He took to Truth Social, accusing several media outlets, including Fox News, of publishing controversial polls. He not only reiterated claims concerning the 2020 election but also alleged that polls have been tools for voter influence. Trump concluded with severe criticism of pollsters and media outlets:
“Fake and Fraudulent Polling should be, virtually, a criminal offense. As an example, all of the Anti Trump Media that covered me during the 2020 Election showed Polls that were knowingly wrong;” Trump wrote. “They knew what they were doing, trying to influence the Election, but I won in a Landslide, including winning the Popular Vote, all 7 of the 7 Swing States, the Electoral College was a route, and 2,750 Counties to 525. You can’t do much better than that, and yet if people examined The Failing New York Times, ABC Fake News, NBC Fake News, CBS Fake News, Low Ratings CNN, or the now defunct MSDNC, Polls were all fraudulent, and bore nothing even close to the final results.”
He further stated, “Something has to be done about Fraudulent Polling. Even the Polls of FoxNews and The Wall Street Journal have been, over the years, terrible! There are great Pollsters that called the Election right, but the Media does not want to use them in any way, shape, or form. Isn’t it sad what has happened to American Journalism, but I am going to do everything possible to keep this Polling SCAM from moving forward!”
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