Schiff Claims Public Has Turned Against Trump

Senator says Trump's polling numbers have slumped following controversies.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) claimed on ABC News's 'This Week' that the 'public has turned against' President Trump, whose polling numbers have recently declined following multiple controversies. Schiff warned that the best preparation is not the Congress, as Republican senators are unlikely to stand up to Trump.

Why it matters

Trump's declining approval ratings and the public's apparent shift against him could have significant implications for the Republican party and the former president's political future, especially as he continues to push for greater control over election administration.

The details

Schiff cited Trump's low approval ratings, with a polling average showing his approval at 42.7% and disapproval at 54.6%. The senator also referenced recent controversies facing Trump and his administration, including issues around the 2020 election, the killing of two people in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents, and the president's foreign policy moves.

  • The comments were made on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Adam Schiff

A Democratic senator from California who made the claims about the public turning against Trump.

Donald Trump

The former president whose declining approval ratings and controversies are the focus of the story.

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What they’re saying

“The public has turned against him. In every election we've had since his election, the voters have swung wildly against him. And as you know, he said at that prayer breakfast, his ego cannot stand another loss.”

— Adam Schiff, Senator (ABC News)

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing political challenges facing former President Trump, as his approval ratings continue to decline and the public appears to be turning against him, potentially impacting his future political ambitions.