Trump Approval PLUMMETS! But Can Dems Capitalize? Shocking Poll Results!

Trump Approval PLUMMETS! But Can Dems Capitalize? Shocking Poll Results!
Current Affairs 22 February 2026

Just days before what's sure to be a closely watched State of the Union address, and with the primaries looming large on the horizon, a new poll is painting a less-than-rosy picture for former President Donald Trump. It seems a record number of Americans are seriously questioning his physical health – a sentiment that's hard to ignore when considering a run for the highest office in the land. The ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll, pulling data from Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel, dives deep into the public's perception of Trump, and frankly, it's a mixed bag at best.

Trump Approval PLUMMETS! But Can Dems Capitalize? ...

The poll reveals a majority of Americans aren't exactly thrilled with Trump's track record on key issues. We're talking inflation, tariffs, foreign relations, immigration, and the overall economy. Ouch. And just to add a little salt to the wound, this survey dropped right before the Supreme Court decided to invalidate Trump’s global tariffs. Talk about timing!

Now, here's the kicker: it’s not like the Democrats in Congress are exactly riding high in the public's trust either. Americans seem to be stuck between a rock and a hard place, unsure who they trust to actually tackle the country's problems. I mean, I can't blame them. It's a tough landscape out there. Even Trump's highest approval rating, which focuses on the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, is still slightly negative, with 50% disapproving and 47% approving. Close, but no cigar.

What's fascinating is the divide within the Republican party itself. The poll highlights that 54% identify with the "MAGA movement," and they generally approve of Trump's handling of things. But the remaining 42%, the "non-MAGA Republicans," are a different story. They largely disapprove of his handling of inflation, tariffs, and foreign relations. Though, interestingly enough, even a majority of them give him a thumbs-up on border security, the economy, and immigration. It just goes to show how complex and nuanced political opinions really are.

Overall, Trump's disapproval rating is sitting at a hefty 60%, mirroring where it was when he left office back in January 2021. That's a tough number to shake off. And the poll further reveals that about a third of Americans trust Trump more, another third trust the Democrats, and a final third? Well, they trust neither. This paints a picture of deep division and a real lack of faith in the established political powers. Something's got to give, right?

But perhaps the most striking finding is the growing concern about Trump's mental and physical fitness for office. A whopping 56% of Americans believe he lacks the mental sharpness needed to effectively lead. This is the highest percentage we've seen since 2020. It’s a clear sign that voters are paying close attention to more than just policy; they're also evaluating the individual behind the policies. Politics, eh? Never a dull moment.

J
Editor
James Mitchell

Experienced journalist specializing in current affairs and breaking news coverage.

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