Poll SHOCK: Trump’s Support COLLAPSES

President Trump’s approval among independents has plunged to a record low 25%, exposing cracks in his second-term mandate that even loyal Republicans cannot ignore amid rising voter frustration with Washington elites.

Story Snapshot

Economist/YouGov poll shows Trump’s independent approval at 25% (66% disapprove, net -41), his lowest ever tracked.
Overall approval at 39% (net -18), with Republicans steady at +74 net despite the drop.
SSRS/CNN and Gallup confirm lows around 36% overall, independents at new lows pre-State of the Union.
Signal of midterm vulnerability as independents, key swing voters, reject perceived policy missteps.

Record Low with Independents

The Economist/YouGov poll, conducted February 20-23, 2026, reveals President Trump’s approval among independents at 25%, with 66% disapproving for a net -41 rating. This marks the lowest in either presidential term, unprecedented in the pollster’s tracking. Published February 24, the results contrast sharply with strong Republican support at +74 net. Independents, often deciding elections, now view Trump’s priorities as off course, fueling midterm concerns. This drop underscores broader discontent with federal leadership failing everyday Americans.

Consistent Warnings from Multiple Pollsters

SSRS/CNN reported 36% overall approval pre-State of the Union, with independents at a new low and 61% saying policies head the wrong direction. Only 32% of independents approved, highlighting perceived misalignment on key issues. Gallup tracked a second-term low of 36%, approaching first-term bottoms of 34%. These figures align across sources, showing steady disapproval trends over months. Even as GOP base holds firm, the independent erosion signals risks for Republican control in 2026 midterms.

Historical Context and Precedents

Trump started his second term with +91 net Republican approval, dipping to +74 by early 2026, mirroring first-term patterns at similar points. Overall ratings hover at -18 net, consistent with past dynamics where independents averaged lower support. NATO leadership approval fell to 21% in 2025, adding to international skepticism. Congress sits at 15% approval, amplifying public distrust in government institutions. These polls reflect early second-term pressures amid midterm buildup, where swing voters hold sway.

Midterm Implications and Shared Frustrations

Short-term, the independent plunge weakens Trump ahead of midterms, boosting Democrats’ voter preference edge. Long-term, sustained -41 net among independents risks GOP House and Senate losses, echoing historical patterns. Broader public views show 68% believing wrong priorities dominate. Both conservatives and liberals share anger at elites prioritizing reelection over solutions to immigration, spending, and economic woes blocking the American Dream. This poll spotlights government failure transcending party lines.