Trump's Approval Rating Three Points Below First Term

Persistent economic concerns and declining confidence in his immigration policies weigh on Americans' views of his job performance.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump's approval rating decreased one point from last week in the latest poll, to 44%, three points below where it was during this point in his first term, while 53% disapprove of his job performance. Trump's approval rating has declined across multiple polls, with voters increasingly disapproving of his handling of the economy and immigration.

Why it matters

Trump's declining approval ratings, especially on key issues like the economy and immigration, could impact his political standing and influence as he seeks to advance his agenda in his second term. The data suggests voters are growing more dissatisfied with his performance, which could have implications for the 2024 presidential election.

The details

Trump's approval rating decreased one point in Morning Consult's weekly survey, to 44%, while 53% disapprove of his job performance. His approval rating also declined in other recent polls, including from Marist/PBS, Quinnipiac University, and Marquette Law School. Voters have increasingly negative views of Trump's handling of immigration and the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with 65% saying ICE has gone too far. Trump's approval rating on the economy has also declined, with just 26% of respondents believing he is doing a good job managing the cost of living.

  • The Morning Consult survey was conducted Feb. 6-9, 2026.
  • The Marist/PBS poll was conducted Jan. 27-30, 2026.
  • The Quinnipiac University survey was conducted Jan. 29-Feb. 2, 2026.
  • The Marquette Law School poll was conducted Jan. 21-28, 2026.
  • The Economist/YouGov survey was conducted Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, currently serving his second term.

Joe Biden

The 46th President of the United States, who served one term prior to Trump's second term.

Renee Good

A Minneapolis resident who was killed by an ICE agent in an incident that sparked controversy and debate about the agency's tactics.

Alex Pretti

Another individual killed by federal agents, contributing to concerns about ICE's actions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.