Trump’s Slipping Approval and a Nation Divided: What the Polls Reveal
As President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address, a latest ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll paints a concerning picture for his reelection campaign. Beyond the recent Supreme Court ruling striking down his tariffs, a broad swath of Americans express disapproval of his handling of key issues, from inflation to international relations. Crucially, this dissatisfaction isn’t translating into support for Democrats, leaving the electorate in a state of widespread discontent.
Economic Concerns and the Tariff Fallout
The poll reveals that 65% of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of inflation, even as 64% are critical of his approach to tariffs. 57% too disapprove of his overall economic performance. This comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s February 20th decision to invalidate his sweeping tariffs, a blow to a cornerstone of his economic policy. The ruling, which found Trump overstepped constitutional authority, has prompted a furious response from the President, who has labeled some justices “disloyal” and “ashamed.”
A Divided Republican Party: MAGA vs. Non-MAGA
The data highlights a significant split within the Republican party. 54% of Republicans identify as part of the “MAGA movement,” and this group largely approves of Trump’s performance across the board. However, 42% of Republicans do not identify with MAGA, and this segment expresses considerably more skepticism. Specifically, non-MAGA Republicans disapprove of Trump’s handling of inflation, tariffs, and relations with other countries. This internal division could prove critical in upcoming primaries and the general election.
Trust Deficit: Neither Party Inspires Confidence
Perhaps the most striking finding of the poll is the lack of trust in either party. Just 33% of Americans trust Trump to handle the country’s biggest problems, while only 31% trust Democrats. A significant 31% express trust in neither. This represents a shift from last year, when Trump held a 7-point advantage over Democrats in this metric. The poll suggests a deep-seated disillusionment with the political establishment as a whole.
Concerns About Trump’s Character and Fitness
Beyond policy issues, the poll raises questions about public perception of Trump’s character and fitness for office. A majority (56%) believe he lacks the mental sharpness to serve effectively, the highest such rating in ABC News-Washington Post-Ipsos polling since 2020. Similarly, 51% question his physical health. These concerns are significantly higher than those expressed about President Biden during his term. 69% of Americans believe Trump is not honest and trustworthy.
Specific Policy Concerns: Vaccines and Foreign Policy
The poll also touches on specific policy decisions that are drawing criticism. Over half of Americans (54%) oppose Trump’s administration’s decision to reduce the number of recommended vaccines for children, a move spearheaded by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A majority (54%) oppose using the U.S. Military to force changes in other countries, despite Trump’s past rhetoric on this issue. The administration’s transparency regarding the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files is also questioned, with 56% believing the administration has not been forthcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the margin of error for this poll?
A: The poll has an overall margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
Q: When was this poll conducted?
A: The poll was conducted from February 12-17, 2026.
Q: Does this poll indicate a shift in public opinion?
A: Yes, the poll shows a decline in trust in President Trump and a growing dissatisfaction with both major parties.
Q: What is the significance of the split within the Republican party?
A: The division between MAGA Republicans and non-MAGA Republicans could significantly impact the outcome of upcoming elections.
Pro Tip: Understanding the nuances of public opinion is crucial for any political campaign. This poll highlights the require for candidates to address concerns about the economy, trust, and leadership.
Did you know? The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs was a 6-3 decision, with the conservative majority siding against the President.
Want to learn more about the latest political trends? Explore more articles on ABC News.
