Full Breakdown
Trump’s Approval Ratings Decline Amid Economic Concerns and Immigration Controversies
2/3/2026, 7:58:34 PM
Overview of Current Approval Ratings
Recent polling data indicates a decline in President Donald Trump's approval ratings as he enters the second year of his second term. According to a Harvard CAPS/Harris poll conducted from January 28-29, 2026, Trump's overall approval rating fell to 45%, down from 47% in December 2025. This decline is reflected across various policy areas, including the economy, immigration, and foreign affairs.
Economic Perception and Approval
Voters are increasingly attributing the current state of the economy to Trump's administration, with 63% believing that the economic conditions are primarily due to his policies rather than those of former President Joe Biden. Despite this attribution, 53% of respondents indicated that the economy is worse under Trump, while only 47% felt it was better. This sentiment is compounded by ongoing concerns about inflation, which remains a top issue for voters.
Immigration Enforcement Controversies
The poll also highlights significant public discontent regarding immigration enforcement. A majority of voters (57%) believe that the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection have "gone too far." Additionally, 55% disapprove of how immigration enforcement is being conducted in U.S. cities. This disapproval is coupled with a strong desire for accountability, as 86% of voters support requiring federal agents to wear body cameras during operations.
Diverging Perspectives on Trump's Performance
The approval ratings reveal a stark partisan divide. Among Republicans, 87% believe Trump is performing better than Biden, while only 15% of Democrats share this view. Conversely, 85% of Democrats rate Trump's performance as worse than Biden's. Among independents, 56% feel Trump is doing a worse job, with 44% believing he is performing better. This division underscores the polarized nature of Trump's presidency.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the declining approval ratings, White House spokesperson Kush Desai emphasized that Trump is addressing the economic challenges and border crisis, asserting that "inflation has cooled, GDP growth is accelerating, and the border is sealed." Trump himself has dismissed negative polling as "fake and fraudulent," asserting that he will combat what he perceives as a "polling scam."
Criticism and Opposition
Critics argue that Trump's policies have not effectively addressed the pressing issues of inflation and immigration. Republican pollster Daron Shaw noted that Trump faces significant challenges due to the "virtually unanimous and intractable opposition of Democrats" and the ongoing issue of high prices affecting voters' perceptions.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While various polls indicate a decline in Trump's approval ratings, there is some variation in the specific numbers reported. For instance, while the Pew Research Center reported a favorable rating of 37% for Trump, other polls such as those from The Economist and Rasmussen show slightly higher approval ratings. This discrepancy highlights the complexities of public opinion and the challenges in gauging voter sentiment accurately.
What's Next
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, pollsters will continue to monitor Trump's approval ratings and the public's concerns regarding immigration enforcement and inflation. The evolving political landscape will be crucial for understanding the implications of these trends for both Trump and the Republican Party.
