What is Trump's approval rating? Tennessee special election sends MAGA warning

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, both Democrats and Republicans are analyzing recent election outcomes for indications of voter sentiment. In early November, Democrats experienced strong wins in state and local contests, followed by a notably tight race in a traditionally Republican congressional district in Tennessee. Although Republicans secured victory in the December 2 special election, turnout surged only after President Donald Trump actively campaigned.

This situation raises questions about the Republican base's enthusiasm heading into 2026. How do voters currently view the party's leader? Here's an overview of Trump's approval trends:

Current Approval Levels

Aggregated data from RealClearPolitics and The New York Times indicate that Trumps approval rating is generally negative, though it has shown periods of stabilization after steep declines. On January 27, his approval reached 50.5%, briefly giving him a net positive rating. By March 13, the balance shifted to a net negative, with 47.8% approving versus 48.5% disapproving. Approval further dipped to 45.1% by April 29 and hit a new low of 42.3% on November 14 amid controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein-related emails. As of December 4, RealClearPolitics recorded 42.4% approval and 54.9% disapproval, while The New York Times aggregator reported 42% approval and 55% disapproval.

Comparisons to Other Presidents

A Gallup survey conducted from November 3-25 found just 36% of respondents approved of Trump's performance. Historical analysis reveals that this rating is lower than that of any other modern president during the same period in their first year of office. For reference:

• Joe Biden (Nov. 2021): 42% approve
• Trump (Nov. 2017): 37% approve
• Barack Obama (Nov. 2009): 51% approve
• George W. Bush (Nov. 2001): 87% approve
• Bill Clinton (Nov. 1993): 49% approve
• George H.W. Bush (Nov. 1989): 70% approve
• Ronald Reagan (Nov. 1981): 52% approve

Party Support and Poll Trends

Gallup's monthly tracking found Trump's approval fell to 36% in November from 41% the prior month. Republican support decreased by seven points, and Independent approval dropped by eight points. This marks his lowest approval rating in his second term from Gallup, comparable to his July rating of 37%. Historically, his all-time low was 34% at the end of his first term in 2021.

Trump continues to receive his highest marks on crime policy, with healthcare remaining the area of lowest approval.

Economist/YouGov Findings

According to an Economist/YouGov poll conducted from November 28 to December 1, 38% of Americans approved of Trump's performance, while 57% disapproved. This represents the seventh consecutive week where his net approval remained below -15 points, a slump that lasted only briefly in his first term. For comparison, Joe Biden experienced 28 straight weeks below this threshold late in his presidency.

The results of the Tennessee special election, combined with these approval trends, suggest Republicans may need to strategize carefully to maintain momentum heading into 2026.

Author: Noah Whitman