Trump Hits Historic Low Approval Ratings Ahead of State of the Union Address

Maryland and DC residents among the least approving of the president's performance

Feb. 24, 2026 at 8:06pm

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As President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, he is facing historically low approval ratings, particularly in the Washington, D.C. and Maryland areas. A recent poll found that six in ten Americans disapprove of Trump's job performance, with 47% indicating strong disapproval. While Trump's approval rating has hit lows of 42% this term, he previously reached a 34% low in his first term, lower than other recent presidents like Biden, Obama, and Clinton.

Why it matters

Trump's declining approval ratings ahead of the State of the Union address come amid mounting calls for another impeachment and concerns over the Republican Party's fate in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The president's unpopularity in Democratic strongholds like D.C. and Maryland could further complicate his ability to advance his agenda, especially if the 2026 midterms shift control of Congress.

The details

According to the most recent Morning Consult survey, Trump's net approval rating is above water in 22 states, but not in Maryland or D.C. D.C. residents gave Trump a 37% approval and 59% disapproval rating, among the lowest in the country, while Maryland tied for the lowest approval rating at 31%. In contrast, states that heavily favored Trump, such as Wyoming, Idaho, and West Virginia, gave him approval ratings of 50% or higher.

  • President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver the State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9 p.m. ET.
  • The address is expected to run approximately two hours, until 11 p.m.

The players

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who is facing historically low approval ratings ahead of his State of the Union address.

Joe Biden

A recent president who has also faced low approval ratings, hitting a 36% low according to Gallup polls.

Barack Obama

A former president who hit a 40% low in approval ratings according to Gallup polls.

George W. Bush

A former president who holds the highest approval rating ever recorded at 90%, as well as the second highest at 89% for his father, George H. Bush.

Bill Clinton

A former president who hit a 37% low in approval ratings according to Gallup polls.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.