Trump Faces Low Approval Ratings, Hits Back at ‘Fraudulent Polling’
Donald Trump is facing a rocky start to his second term, as the latest polls show his approval rating dipping well below 50%. According to a January AP-NORC survey, 59% of Americans disapprove of his performance as president, while only 40% approve. Issues like immigration enforcement, the Epstein files, and the diplomatic tensions over Greenland appear to be taking a toll on public perception.
On key topics, Trump is struggling. Only 37% of respondents approved of his handling of the economy, while 62% disapproved. Immigration, foreign policy, and trade negotiations drew similar results, with approval hovering in the high 30s and disapproval over 60%. Other surveys, including polls from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Reuters/Ipsos, paint a consistent picture: national approval averages around 42%, with 55% disapproving.
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: U.S. President Donald Trump holds a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago club on December 29, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting to discuss regional security in the Middle East as well as the U.S.-Israel partnership. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
While support among Republicans remains steady, Democratic opposition has hardened. “Support among Republicans has remained strong, but opposition from Democrats has become more fixed,” Republican pollster Daron Shaw told Fox News.
Trump has responded forcefully to the polls, calling out media outlets and polling organizations for allegedly misleading results. In a Truth Social post, he labeled polling “fake and fraudulent,” claiming that some outlets intentionally published inaccurate data to sway voters. He cited the 2020 election, insisting polls were manipulated even as he claims to have won decisively.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 06: U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a House Republican retreat at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on January 06, 2026 in Washington, DC. House Republicans will discuss their 2026 legislative agenda at the meeting. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
“Something has to be done about fraudulent polling,” Trump wrote. “Even the Polls of Fox News and The Wall Street Journal have been, over the years, terrible! The media does not want to use the great pollsters who got it right. Isn’t it sad what has happened to American journalism?”
As Trump pushes back against the numbers, the debate over polling accuracy and media influence shows no signs of slowing. With midterms approaching, his approval ratings and public messaging will be closely watched, and every percentage point could matter.
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 13: U.S. President Donald Trump tours the Ford River Rouge Complex on January 13, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan. Trump is visiting Michigan where he will participate in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex and later give remarks to the Detroit Economic Club. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
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