Trump's Approval Rating Drops Below Key Threshold

Declining support from Republicans in Congress signals trouble for the president ahead of midterm elections

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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U.S. President Trump's approval rating has dropped below 42.3%, a key threshold that had held steady since November 2025. This decline, along with growing opposition from some Republican lawmakers, suggests Trump is heading towards defeat in the upcoming congressional midterm elections and potential impeachment proceedings in 2027.

Why it matters

Trump's declining approval and growing opposition within his own party could significantly impact the upcoming midterm elections and his ability to advance his agenda in the final years of his term. A Democratic takeover of Congress would likely lead to impeachment hearings that could result in Trump's removal from office, paving the way for a new president in 2029.

The details

Trump's approval rating, which had held steady at 42.6% since November 2025, has now dropped to 42.3% according to the RealClearPolitics poll average. This 0.3% decline is seen as a significant political breakthrough, indicating Trump is losing support. Additionally, some Republican lawmakers, such as Sens. Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski, have begun breaking with the Trump administration on key issues like immigration enforcement.

  • On November 11, 2025, Trump's approval rating was 42.6%.
  • On January 31, 2026, Trump's approval rating was still at 42.6%.
  • As of February 11, 2026, Trump's approval rating has dropped to 42.3%.

The players

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States.

Thom Tillis

A Republican senator from North Carolina who has voiced opposition to some of Trump's policies.

Lisa Murkowski

A Republican senator from Alaska who has also broken with the Trump administration on certain issues.

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What they’re saying

“What's happening with ICE is going too far.”

— Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI (The New York Times)

“It's the president's decision, but I think there's got to be a level of accountability.”

— Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator (Semafor)

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.