Full Breakdown
Trump's Approval Ratings Plummet Ahead of State of the Union Address
2/22/2026, 10:38:26 PM
Current Approval Ratings and Polling Data
Recent polling data indicates that President Donald Trump's approval ratings have reached new lows as he prepares for his first State of the Union address of his second term. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll conducted from February 12 to 17, 2026, revealed that 60% of Americans disapprove of Trump's job performance, with 47% expressing strong disapproval. Only 39% of respondents approve of his performance, reflecting a significant partisan divide: 85% of Republicans approve, while 94% of Democrats and 69% of independents disapprove.
Trump's overall approval rating has declined from an initial high of 50.5% at the start of his term to approximately 42% as of February 20, 2026. This downward trend is compounded by a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down many of his emergency tariffs, a cornerstone of his economic policy, further exacerbating public dissatisfaction regarding inflation and economic management.
Key Issues Affecting Approval Ratings
Trump's handling of critical issues such as inflation, tariffs, and immigration has drawn significant criticism. The same poll indicated that 65% of Americans disapprove of his approach to inflation, while 64% disapprove of his tariff policies. On immigration, Trump's approval stands at 38%, a notable decline from earlier in his term. The disapproval stems from recent incidents involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens during enforcement operations, which have sparked protests and calls for impeachment.
Despite these negative ratings, the poll shows that Americans are divided on who they trust more to handle immigration and cost-of-living issues, with 32% favoring Trump and 31% preferring congressional Democrats.
Supreme Court Ruling and Economic Impact
The Supreme Court's recent ruling against Trump's tariffs has further complicated his standing. The court determined that Trump overstepped his authority by imposing tariffs without congressional approval, leading to widespread public approval of the decision. Following the ruling, Trump announced a new 10% global tariff, which he later increased to 15%, citing the need to protect American interests.
This decision has drawn mixed reactions, with many Americans attributing rising prices to Trump's tariff policies. A YouGov poll found that 60% of respondents approved of the Supreme Court's decision, indicating a significant public backlash against Trump's economic strategies.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Trump's administration have pointed to a growing disconnect between his policies and the concerns of average Americans. Many voters feel that Trump is out of touch with their economic struggles, particularly regarding affordability and the rising cost of living. The sentiment is echoed by a significant portion of the electorate, with 64% stating that they believe Trump is disconnected from the concerns of most Americans.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the declining approval ratings, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle emphasized that the ultimate poll was the November 2024 election, where Trump received nearly 80 million votes. Ingle asserted that Trump remains a dominant figure in American politics and has made historic progress both domestically and internationally.
What's Next
As Trump prepares for his State of the Union address on February 24, 2026, he faces the challenge of addressing these pressing issues while attempting to rally support amid declining approval ratings. The upcoming speech is seen as a critical opportunity for Trump to reset his agenda and connect with voters ahead of the midterm elections, where his party's control of Congress is at stake.
