Key Facts
• In January 2026, Trump’s overall job approval dropped 2 points to 45% from December 2025.
• Support declined across all major policy areas: economy, immigration, and foreign policy.
• Immigration policy support fell from 56% in February 2025 to 46% in latest poll.
• Economic approval dropped from 49% (Feb 2025) to 43%; foreign policy down 3 points to 42%.
• Inflation control approval hit a low of 39%, down 1 point since Feb 2025.
• Tariffs and trade policy support decreased 3 points to 39%.
• Minneapolis anti-ICE protest response gained 51% support, one of Trump’s highest-rated policies.
• 57% believe ICE and Customs Border Protection enforcement is “excessive”; 55% oppose immigration enforcement methods in U.S. cities.
• 86% want federal agents to wear body cameras; 80% want agents to identify themselves during operations.
• 63% attribute current economic downturn to Trump administration, up 11 points from previous poll.
• 55% say Trump’s policies align with campaign promises; 54% acknowledge some achievements in first year.
• 52% say last strong economy was pre-COVID-19 in 2020; 56% believe current economy is shrinking.
• Trump dismisses unfavorable polls as “fraudulent” and vows to combat “poll fraud”.
• Republican insiders warn inflation and unified Democratic opposition pose major challenges.
• Polls suggest a gradual cooling of enthusiasm, risking impact on 2026 midterm elections.
Summary
Recent polls conducted by Harvard’s Center for American Political Studies and Harris Insights reveal a steady decline in support for President Donald Trump across all key policy areas, including the economy, immigration, and foreign affairs. Despite Trump’s claims on social media of record-high approval, data shows his overall job approval fell to 45% in January 2026. While immigration enforcement policies, especially responses to protests in Minneapolis, retain some support, a majority of Americans view ICE’s actions as excessive and demand greater accountability measures like body cameras. Economic concerns dominate voter priorities, with 63% blaming the Trump administration for the current downturn and inflation. Although over half of voters feel Trump’s policies align with his campaign promises and recognize some achievements, the economy’s perceived contraction and inflation worries have eroded support, particularly in economic management. Trump and his administration reject negative poll results, labeling them fraudulent. Republican analysts warn that these trends, combined with strong Democratic opposition, could challenge the party’s prospects in the 2026 midterm elections. The evolving public sentiment underscores a critical juncture for Trump’s administration as it faces growing scrutiny ahead of upcoming elections.
