Do you approve or disapprove of the way the current President is handling their job?

Background

Presidential job approval is one of the most closely watched measures in American politics, tracking how the public evaluates the president's overall performance. As of late April 2026, President Donald Trump's approval rating has reached new lows for his second term. The Silver Bulletin polling average places his approval at roughly 39 percent with about 58 percent disapproving, while a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted April 24 through 27 put his approval at 34 percent. Pew Research Center reported in January 2026 that approval had slipped to 37 percent, down from 40 percent the prior fall. Several factors are driving the decline, including rising gasoline prices tied to the U.S.-Iran military conflict, persistent concerns about the cost of living, and broader economic anxiety heading into the 2026 midterm elections. This question takes on added weight after Gallup ended its eight-decade tradition of tracking presidential approval in February 2026, leaving a constellation of other polling organizations to fill the void.

Supporters of the president argue that his administration has delivered meaningful results, pointing to the passage of major tax-cut legislation, a resilient labor market with unemployment near 4.4 percent, and wage growth that has been outpacing inflation for nearly three years. The administration and congressional allies highlight expanded tax credits for families, new savings accounts for children, and energy-sector growth as evidence of progress. Critics counter that affordability remains the top concern for most households, with a Brookings analysis finding that 75 percent of Americans, including 56 percent of Republicans, believe tariffs have raised prices. The CNBC All-America Economic Survey found that the president's net economic approval fell to its lowest point across both terms, and an Emerson College poll showed independent voters' disapproval of his economic handling jumped 13 points in a single year. Opponents also point to the unpopularity of the Iran conflict, where a majority of voters view the military action as more of a failure.

The stakes extend well beyond one person's popularity. Historical data compiled by Gallup shows that when a president's approval is below 50 percent, the president's party has lost an average of 37 House seats in midterm elections. With Republicans defending narrow congressional majorities in November 2026, current approval numbers have significant implications for the balance of power in Washington. The Brookings Institution notes that about 40 percent of voters say they remain open to changing their assessment of the president, overwhelmingly citing the economy as the factor that could move them. Whether conditions improve or deteriorate in the months ahead will shape not only the midterm outcome but also broader questions of governance, economic policy, and America's role abroad.