Full Breakdown
Trump's Approval Ratings Decline Ahead of Midterm Elections
2/17/2026, 1:31:29 AM
Overview of Trump's Approval Ratings
Recent polling data indicates that President Donald Trump's approval rating is experiencing significant decline as the nation approaches the 2026 midterm elections. According to a Civiqs update analyzing 86,000 responses from January 20, 2025, to February 14, 2026, Trump's net approval rating stands at -18 points, with 39 percent of respondents approving and 57 percent disapproving of his performance. This trend is echoed in various surveys, including an AP-NORC poll conducted from February 5-8, 2026, which reported a net approval rating of -26 points, matching Trump's lowest recorded approval since November 2025.
Key Polling Insights
Trump's approval ratings vary significantly across states. His highest approval is in West Virginia (+25 points) and Wyoming (+23 points), while Hawaii shows the lowest approval at -58 points. The overall sentiment reflects a growing discontent among voters, particularly regarding Trump's handling of immigration policies and federal law enforcement actions. A recent AP-NORC poll revealed that 62 percent of U.S. adults believe Trump has overstepped in deploying federal agents in cities, and 54 percent feel he has restricted legal immigration excessively.
Implications for the Republican Party
The declining approval ratings pose a challenge for the Republican Party as it heads into the midterm elections. Historically, the party not holding the presidency tends to perform better in these elections. In 2018, for example, Republicans lost control of the House, and similar outcomes could threaten the GOP's slim majorities in both chambers of Congress. Analysts are closely monitoring Trump's approval ratings as they could significantly influence voter behavior in key races.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the negative polling, White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated, "President Trump was overwhelmingly elected by nearly 80 million Americans to deliver on his popular and common-sense agenda." He emphasized the president's historic progress both domestically and internationally. Trump himself claimed on Truth Social, "The highest Poll Numbers I have ever received. Obviously, people like a strong and powerful Country, with the best economy, EVER!"
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that Trump's declining approval ratings reflect a broader dissatisfaction with his administration's policies. Polling analyst Nate Silver noted that Trump's current approval is lower than that of Joe Biden at a similar point in his presidency. Additionally, a YouGov survey found that half of Americans rate Trump as a "poor" president, the highest proportion for any of the 20 presidents rated.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While various polls indicate a downward trend in Trump's approval ratings, some surveys, such as the latest InsiderAdvantage national survey, suggest a temporary rebound, with approval returning to 50 percent. This discrepancy highlights the volatility of public opinion and the potential for fluctuations as the political landscape evolves leading up to the elections.
What's Next
As the midterm elections approach, Trump's approval ratings will be a focal point for both political analysts and voters. The outcomes of these elections could reshape the balance of power in Congress and significantly impact the trajectory of Trump's presidency.
