Gallup to End 88-Year Presidential Approval Tracking

Iconic polling firm cites changing media landscape as reason to discontinue iconic metric.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Gallup, one of the most prominent public opinion polling organizations in the United States, announced on Wednesday that it will cease tracking presidential approval ratings after 88 years of continuously monitoring this key political metric.

Why it matters

Gallup's presidential approval ratings have been a fixture of American politics since the 1930s, providing a consistent barometer of how the public views the sitting president's performance. The decision to discontinue this long-running survey reflects broader changes in the media landscape and the evolving ways in which the public consumes and engages with political information.

The details

In a statement, Gallup cited the fragmentation of the media environment and the rise of alternative polling methods as factors that have diminished the relevance and impact of its presidential approval tracking. The organization noted that it will shift its focus to other areas of public opinion research that it believes are more aligned with the current media landscape and the needs of its clients.

  • Gallup announced the decision on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Gallup

A leading public opinion polling agency in the United States, known for its long-running tracking of presidential approval ratings.

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The takeaway

Gallup's decision to discontinue its iconic presidential approval tracking reflects the evolving nature of media and public engagement with political information. This move signals a shift in the polling industry, as organizations adapt to changing consumer preferences and the fragmentation of traditional media channels.