Gallup Ends Decades-Old Presidential Approval Ratings Tracking

Decision raises questions about potential political motivations behind the move

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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After more than 80 years of tracking presidential approval ratings, pollster Gallup has announced it will be ending the long-running metric. The decision has sparked questions about the timing and potential reasons behind the move, with some observers speculating Gallup may want to avoid political blowback or conflicts with federal agency contracts.

Why it matters

Gallup's presidential approval ratings have been a key political and historical data point for decades, providing insight into how the public views the performance of the nation's leaders. The sudden end to this tracking raises concerns about transparency and the potential for political influence on polling organizations.

The details

Gallup cited its "research goals and priorities" as the reason for discontinuing the presidential approval ratings, but the timing has raised eyebrows. Some observers have speculated the pollster may want to avoid potential political backlash, noting that former President Donald Trump had threatened to sue media and polling firms that portrayed him negatively. There are also questions about Gallup's contracts with federal agencies, which some commentators believe could be a factor in the decision.

  • Gallup has measured presidential job approval since the Truman era, over 80 years ago.

The players

Gallup

An American analytics and advisory company known for its public opinion polls and the Gallup Poll, one of the most recognized opinion research organizations in the world.

Donald Trump

The 45th president of the United States, who repeatedly threatened to sue media and polling firms that portrayed him negatively during his time in office.

Steve Herman

The executive director at the Jordan Center for Journalism Advocacy & Innovation.

Bill Kristol

A political commentator and founder of the now-defunct political magazine The Weekly Standard.

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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)

The takeaway

Gallup's decision to end its long-standing presidential approval ratings tracking raises concerns about transparency and the potential for political influence on polling organizations. The move comes at a time when trust in media and institutions is already strained, and it will be important to closely examine the reasons behind Gallup's decision and its potential implications for the future of political polling.