Donald Trump approval rating ticks up as 2026 begins. See latest polls

2026-03-01

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Updated Jan. 2, 2026, 11:45 a.m. ET

As 2026 begins, President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have inched upward – with a slight increase in favorable ratings amongst American voters in most recent political polls.

“Donald Trump’s approval rating reflects his rollercoaster year, “according to The Economist. Americans, according to the article, are concerned about how the president has handled the economy and “worry that Mr. Trump’s tariffs and health-care spending policies will cost them.”

Trump remains a polarizing figure, as the first year of his second presidential term was marked by a series of unconventional – and often unprecedented – actions.

The federal government shutdown stalemate underscores Trump’s turbulent 2025, during which he deployed troops in U.S. cities, imposed widespread tariffs, slashed federal spending by axing government jobs through a newly created Department of Government Efficiency, and authorized the demolition of the White House’s historic East Wing to make way for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom. He’s also leading the effort to build a giant arch, reminiscent of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, in the nation’s capital, which remains unclear how it will be funded.

Here’s what the latest polls say:

Donald Trump approval ratings: What the polls show

Note: Polls are constantly changing and different pollsters ask different varieties of the population.

The Economist

Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest from The Economist (Jan. 2, 2026):

Favorable: 39%
Unfavorable: 56%
Not sure: 4%

The latest report shows that voters believe the top three most important issues Americans are facing are inflation/prices, jobs and the economy, followed by health care. This ranking has remained steady in the past few months.

New York Times

Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest New York Times poll (Jan. 2, 2026):

Favorable: 42%
Unfavorable: 54%

Silver Bulletin

Most recent Trump approval rating according to Pollster Nate Silver’s “Silver Bulletin” newsletter (Jan. 2, 2022):

Favorable: 42%
Unfavorable: 54%

Civiqs

Most recent Trump approval rating according to Civiqs poll (Jan. 1, 2026):

Favorable: 40%
Unfavorable: 56%
Not sure: 4%

Rasmussen

Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest Rasmussen poll (Dec. 31, 2025):

Favorable: 44%
Unfavorable: 56%

The latest figures include 29% of U.S. voters who “strongly approve” of the job Trump is doing as president as well as 44% of voters who “strongly disapprove,” according to the report.

Morning Consult

Most recent Trump approval rating, according to the latest Morning Consult poll (Dec. 22, 2025):