Declining Approval Ratings for President Trump Ahead of 2026 Midterms

President Donald Trump’s approval rating among Republicans has decreased significantly, dropping from a +90-point rating in October 2025 to a +76-point rating by early February 2026, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll. This decline reflects a broader trend, with overall approval ratings for Trump also trending downward, indicating potential challenges for the Republican Party as it approaches the 2026 midterm elections.

Newsweek

Recent polling data reveals that Trump’s net approval rating among registered voters is currently at -19 points, marking his lowest recorded approval during his second term. Specific issue approval ratings show that only 39% of voters approve of his handling of the economy, 38% on immigration, and 37% on foreign policy. The Quinnipiac poll, conducted with a sample size of 1,191 registered voters, reported that 86% of self-identified Republican voters approved of Trump’s job performance, while 10% disapproved.

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Kiersten Pels, the Republican National Committee (RNC) national press secretary, emphasized that Trump has "lowered prices, secured the border, and ensured workers keep more of their hard-earned pay," asserting that Republicans are united and ready for the midterms. White House spokesman Kush Desai reiterated the administration's focus on economic growth and border security, stating, “The Trump administration remains laser-focused on continuing to cool inflation, accelerate economic growth, secure our border and mass deport criminal illegal aliens.”

Newsweek

In a controversial move, Trump has called for the Republican Party to “nationalize” voting in the United States, suggesting that the federal government should take control of elections in states where he claims corruption exists. This statement has drawn criticism from within his own party and raises concerns about the implications of federal involvement in state-run elections. Critics argue that such a move undermines the constitutional framework governing elections, which is primarily state-controlled.

New York Times

Polling expert Nate Silver noted that Trump’s approval ratings could decline further as the political impact of recent events, such as the killing of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers, becomes fully reflected in the data. While some polls indicate a slight rebound in Trump's approval following changes in leadership at ICE, the overall trend suggests persistent challenges for the administration.

Newsweek

• “With strong momentum, Republicans are united, energized, and ready to win in the midterms.” — Kiersten Pels, RNC National Press Secretary

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• “The federal government should get involved.” — President Donald Trump

New York Times

• “ Eli McKown-Dawson, co-author of Silver Bulletin’s approval tracker, wrote: "The polls have not been kind to Donald Trump this week.” — Eli McKown-Dawson, Silver Bulletin Analyst

Newsweek

As the Republican Party navigates these declining approval ratings, analysts will closely monitor whether GOP support stabilizes or continues to drift. The upcoming midterm elections will likely see messaging recalibrated around key issues such as inflation and immigration, as both Republican strategists and Democratic campaign committees adjust their strategies in response to shifting voter sentiments.

Newsweek