President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen back into a double-digit deficit, according to a new survey from a Republican-aligned polling firm, marking a reversal from modest gains recorded earlier this month and highlighting renewed volatility in public sentiment midway through his second term.
The latest data suggests that while Trump remains a dominant force within Republican politics, his standing with the broader electorate is under renewed pressure—an important development as lawmakers prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, where control of Congress is expected to hinge on narrow margins.
A Shift That Could Carry Political Consequences
Although Trump himself will not appear on the ballot in the 2026 midterms, his approval rating is widely viewed as a critical barometer for Republican candidates in competitive districts and swing states. With Republicans holding slim majorities in both chambers of Congress, even small changes in voter attitudes could influence legislative outcomes and campaign strategies.
Republicans currently control the House of Representatives by a margin of 220 to 213, with two seats vacant, and hold a 53 to 47 advantage in the Senate. Those narrow margins leave little room for error, particularly if independent voters or portions of the Republican base grow less enthusiastic.
Political analysts have long noted that a sitting president’s approval rating often shapes fundraising, turnout, and candidate recruitment, even when the president is not directly on the ballot.
What the Latest Poll Shows
According to Rasmussen Reports’ daily Presidential Approval Index, Trump’s net approval rating stood at minus 10 points on December 22. That figure reflects a ten-point gap between voters who strongly approve of the president’s job performance and those who strongly disapprove.
Rasmussen’s index focuses on intensity of opinion rather than overall approval alone, making it particularly sensitive to shifts in enthusiasm or dissatisfaction among voters.
The latest reading places Trump back in double-digit negative territory after a brief improvement earlier this month. On December 4, Rasmussen recorded Trump’s lowest approval rating of his second term at minus 12. Over the following two weeks, the deficit narrowed before slipping once again.
Polling analysts note that the trend suggests instability rather than a sustained downward slide—an important distinction as the administration moves into the latter half of its term.
A Pattern of Fluctuation, Not a Single Drop
This is not the first time Trump’s approval rating has dipped to this level in recent months. Rasmussen previously recorded a minus 10 rating in mid-November, indicating that voter sentiment toward the president has been fluctuating rather than trending steadily upward or downward.
Such volatility reflects a polarized political environment where shifts in economic data, immigration enforcement actions, and high-profile controversies can quickly influence public opinion.
Rasmussen is one of the few polling organizations that tracks presidential approval on a daily basis. It is also often regarded as more favorable to Republican candidates than many other national pollsters, making the latest figures particularly notable for observers within the GOP.
Other Polls Paint a Mixed Picture
While Rasmussen’s data shows Trump facing renewed headwinds, other polling firms have reported more favorable numbers, underscoring the uneven and fragmented nature of the current polling landscape.
The conservative-leaning firm InsiderAdvantage reported that Trump reached his highest net approval rating with the pollster since August. According to its December survey, Trump posted a net approval of plus 8.4 points, marking a significant contrast with Rasmussen’s findings.
In that poll, 49.5 percent of respondents approved of Trump’s performance, while 41.1 percent disapproved and 9.1 percent remained undecided. The survey was conducted among 800 likely voters on December 20 and carried a margin of error of plus or minus 3.46 percentage points.
InsiderAdvantage noted that the improvement followed Trump’s August peak, which came in the aftermath of his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Gallup Shows Steeper Decline
By contrast, Gallup polling has painted a more challenging picture for the president. In a survey conducted between November 3 and November 25, Trump’s approval rating fell to 36 percent—his lowest point of the second term according to that pollster.
That figure represents a sharp decline from Gallup’s January survey shortly after Trump’s inauguration, when his approval stood at 47 percent.
Gallup’s data suggests that concerns about the economy are a major driver of declining support. Rising cost-of-living pressures, persistent affordability concerns, and uncertainty about long-term economic stability appear to be weighing on public confidence.
Key Issues Driving Voter Sentiment
Several factors may be contributing to the latest dip in Trump’s approval rating. Economic pressures remain a central concern for voters, particularly as inflation, housing costs, and everyday expenses continue to strain household budgets.
Immigration enforcement has also emerged as a defining issue of Trump’s second term. While aggressive policies energize parts of his political base, they may be alienating moderate voters and independents in key battleground areas.
In addition, the administration’s handling of recently released Epstein-related files has drawn scrutiny and media attention. While the long-term political impact remains unclear, such high-profile controversies can influence public perception, especially when combined with broader concerns about transparency and trust in government institutions.
Signs of Softening Support Within the Base
Some surveys suggest Trump may be losing ground not only among independents, but also among segments of his traditional Republican and MAGA-aligned base. While he remains the dominant figure within the party, even small declines in enthusiasm among core supporters could affect turnout in closely contested races.
Republican strategists are closely monitoring these trends, particularly in districts where victory margins are expected to be razor-thin.
Reactions and Public Statements
Trump has repeatedly dismissed unfavorable polling, arguing that many surveys are biased against him. In a November post on Truth Social, the president criticized what he described as “fake polls” produced by left-leaning media organizations, insisting that his political position remains strong.
Despite public confidence, critics argue that the polling trends reflect deeper vulnerabilities. Mary Trump, speaking in a recent interview, claimed that the president is increasingly concerned about declining support and the popularity of his policies, particularly on economic issues.
While such commentary is politically charged, it underscores the degree to which Trump’s approval ratings remain a focal point of national debate.
Why Approval Ratings Still Matter
Even in a deeply polarized environment, presidential approval ratings continue to serve as a key indicator of political momentum. For congressional Republicans, Trump’s standing could influence campaign messaging, voter turnout, and the willingness of swing voters to support GOP candidates.
With control of Congress hanging in the balance, party leaders are likely to view the latest polling with caution. Whether the recent dip proves temporary or signals a broader shift in voter sentiment will become clearer in the months ahead as economic conditions evolve and the administration advances its agenda.
For now, the data points to a familiar pattern in Trump’s presidency: sharp divisions, competing narratives, and an electorate that remains deeply split over his leadership—leaving Republicans with both opportunities and risks as the midterms draw closer.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
