President Donald Trump is facing a steep decline in approval ratings across the United States, with recent polls revealing growing public dissatisfaction on multiple fronts as the 2026 midterm elections approach. The latest data, collected from a variety of reputable sources including Quinnipiac University, Emerson College, and the Texas Politics Project, paints a picture of a leader whose popularity is slipping, especially on critical issues like the economy, immigration, and foreign policy.
In Texas, a state Trump won by nearly 14 points in the 2024 presidential election, the political landscape is shifting in ways that could have significant implications for the upcoming Senate race. Democrats see this traditionally Republican stronghold as a potential opportunity to flip a Senate seat in 2026, buoyed by polls indicating the race could become competitive. Currently, Republicans hold a 58-47 majority in the Senate, but Democrats are strategizing to reclaim ground in states where Trump had strong showings, including Texas, Iowa, Florida, and Ohio, as well as in states like Maine and North Carolina.
The Texas Politics Project conducted a poll of 1,331 registered voters between June 6 and June 16, 2025, with a margin of error of ±2.83%. The results showed that 51% of Texans disapprove of Trump’s performance, with 44% strongly disapproving and 7% somewhat disapproving. Despite this, Trump remains popular among Texas Republicans, with 87% giving him positive marks. However, his handling of the economy is a particular sore spot, with 51% of Texans disapproving of his economic management, marking his worst economic job rating in the state to date. This shift is notable as Texans had mostly approved of his economic policies during his first term, but now more disapprove than approve.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has also experienced a decline in approval, dropping from 44% in April to 41% approval in the most recent poll, while disapproval rose to 44%. One key issue affecting Abbott’s ratings is his veto of a controversial bill that would have banned recreational THC products, opting instead for a special legislative session to address regulation. The bill faced bipartisan opposition, with 53% of Texas voters opposing the ban. Abbott’s handling of various legislative priorities, including education funding and property tax relief, has drawn mixed reactions, but the THC ban controversy has been a significant factor in public opinion.
Nationally, President Trump’s approval ratings are similarly troubled. The Emerson College Polling survey from June 24-25, 2025, found that 45% of respondents approved of Trump’s job performance, while 46% disapproved, with nearly 9% neutral or undecided. This marks a decline from January 2025, when Trump’s approval stood at 49%. Additionally, 53% of respondents believe the country is on the wrong track, compared to 48% who feel the U.S. is headed in the right direction. Democrats hold a slight edge over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot, with 43% to 40%, though a significant portion of independents remain undecided.
More detailed polling data from Quinnipiac University and other organizations reveal that Trump is underwater on at least seven key issues, including deportations, trade, the economy, immigration, foreign policy, military affairs, and handling of the Israel-Iran conflict. The Quinnipiac poll conducted from June 22-24, 2025, shows Trump’s lowest net approval rating at -20 on deportations, down from -16 earlier in June. His net approval on trade and the economy stands at -17, and immigration at -16, a new low for his second term. The poll also found that 56% of voters disapprove of the job Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is doing, while 64% favor providing most undocumented immigrants a pathway to legal status rather than deportation.
Other recent polls corroborate these trends. A Gallup poll from early June 2025 found Trump with a -17-point net approval rating, while an Economist/YouGov poll showed a -14-point rating. The Bullfinch Group and Ipsos/Reuters polls also revealed net negative ratings in the mid-teens. RealClearPolitics’ average polling data as of late June 2025 places Trump’s approval around 46%, with disapproval at 51%. Pollster Nate Silver described Trump’s approval ratings as “all over the place,” with some polls showing net approval as low as -21 and others as high as +10.
Public opinion on Trump’s handling of specific policies is notably critical. His decision to impose and then partially roll back tariffs has a 60% disapproval rating, according to an NBC News poll. His so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill" faces 53% opposition. Medicaid cuts proposed under his administration are unpopular, with only 17% of Americans supporting reductions, while 82% prefer maintaining or increasing funding. Foreign policy decisions, including the recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, have also drawn disapproval; a Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 36% approve of the strikes, while 45% disapprove, and 84% worry about the potential escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel.
Trump’s approach to immigration enforcement is another contentious area. Polls indicate that nearly half of Americans disapprove of his deployment of Marines and the National Guard to suppress protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles. His military parade earlier this month was opposed by 76% of Americans, reflecting widespread skepticism about his use of military symbolism.
Despite these challenges, major election forecasters like the Cook Political Report continue to rate Texas Senate and governor races as "Solid Republican" for 2026, underscoring the difficulty Democrats face in flipping such seats. However, the narrowing margins and shifting public sentiment suggest that the political landscape in Texas and across the nation is far from static.
As the 2026 midterms approach, the Republican Party faces the daunting task of regaining lost support amid a backdrop of negative approval ratings for its leading figure. Democrats, meanwhile, see openings in key states and issues to make gains, particularly in the House, where they hold a better chance of flipping seats. The coming months will be critical in shaping the trajectory of both parties as voters weigh their options in a politically charged environment.
With President Trump’s approval rating dipping into negative territory in critical states like Texas and nationally, the 2026 midterms could present unexpected challenges and opportunities. The evolving public opinion on his leadership, especially regarding the economy, immigration, and foreign policy, underscores the complex dynamics at play in American politics today.
