As the 2026 midterm elections move closer, President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are drawing increased attention from political analysts, voters, and media outlets. After a period of relative steadiness earlier in his second term, several newly released polls suggest a change in how Americans view his performance, with more respondents expressing dissatisfaction.
Recent national surveys have sparked strong reactions from Trump, who has publicly questioned the accuracy and credibility of certain polling organizations and media outlets. He argues that some reports do not fairly reflect public opinion and has pushed back against what he describes as misleading narratives.
Multiple polls point to a decline in overall approval. One example is a January 2026 survey from the Associated Press–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which found that roughly four in ten adults approve of the president’s job performance, while a larger share report disapproval. Many respondents indicated concerns about the administration’s priorities, particularly regarding economic management and immigration policy.
According to the same survey, approval of Trump’s handling of the economy remained below 40%, a figure that has proven difficult to improve during his second term. Views on immigration policy followed a similar trend, with support declining as debates continue over enforcement strategies and long-term outcomes. Some participants said they feel the administration is not fully focused on the issues most important to them.
These findings are consistent with broader polling averages. Data aggregated by outlets such as RealClearPolitics generally place Trump’s approval rating in the low-to-mid 40% range, while disapproval often exceeds 50%. Independent surveys also show ongoing voter concerns about inflation, everyday expenses, and international developments, all of which influence perceptions of presidential leadership.
In response, Trump has used his social media platform, Truth Social, to criticize unfavorable polls. He has accused several major news organizations of publishing surveys that underestimate his support and has questioned the methods used by some polling firms. His comments reflect long-standing criticism of media outlets he believes portray his presidency unfairly.
Beyond public statements, Trump has previously pursued legal action against certain media organizations in separate matters, including expanded defamation claims. While courts typically set a high bar for such cases involving public figures, these actions underscore his efforts to challenge reporting he views as inaccurate.
Approval ratings often take on added importance ahead of midterm elections. Historically, presidents with approval levels below 50% have faced tougher political environments, as lower approval can affect voter enthusiasm, campaign messaging, and outcomes in competitive congressional races.
Economic conditions continue to play a central role in shaping public opinion. Even as some economic indicators suggest stability or growth, many Americans report feeling strained by rising costs for essentials such as food, housing, and utilities. Surveys show that a significant majority rate the economy as fair or poor, which can strongly influence evaluations of presidential performance.
Immigration, once considered a strong issue for Trump among his supporters, has become more complex. Recent polls indicate declining approval of his handling of the issue, alongside increased public debate and criticism from across the political spectrum. Foreign policy views are also mixed, shaped by global conflicts and evolving international relationships.
Within the Republican Party, Trump maintains solid support, often earning majority approval among GOP voters. However, Democratic respondents remain largely critical, and independents show higher levels of disapproval—an important factor in closely contested districts.
Political experts note that criticism of polling is not unusual when leaders face unfavorable results. Pollsters emphasize that surveys capture opinions at specific moments and can vary based on methodology. Long-term trends, rather than single polls, are generally considered more meaningful.
As the 2026 midterms approach, Trump’s approval ratings, public responses, and voter perceptions are expected to remain central to political discussion. With control of Congress at stake, shifts in public opinion will continue to shape campaign strategies and the broader political landscape.
For now, recent surveys suggest that many Americans are assessing the president’s performance through concerns about the economy, immigration, and national priorities. How these views change in the months ahead may play a significant role in determining both the midterm results and the direction of U.S. politics moving forward.
