Most Voters Say Trump Doing Worse Than Biden as President

Poll finds economy is worse under Trump, according to nearly 6 in 10 independents.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:39pm

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A new poll has found that most voters believe former President Donald Trump is performing worse as president compared to current President Joe Biden. The poll found that nearly 60% of independent voters feel the economy is worse under Trump's leadership.

Why it matters

This poll provides insight into how voters, including key independent voters, view the performance of the two most recent presidents. It suggests that Trump's economic stewardship is being judged more harshly than Biden's, which could have implications for the former president's political future.

The details

The poll, conducted by a major national media outlet, surveyed a representative sample of American voters on their perceptions of the economy and presidential performance under Trump and Biden. The results showed that 59% of independent voters felt the economy was worse under Trump, compared to just 35% who felt it was worse under Biden.

  • The poll was conducted in early February 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who served from 2017 to 2021.

Joe Biden

The 46th and current President of the United States, who assumed office in 2021.

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The takeaway

This poll suggests that independent voters, a crucial swing demographic, have a more negative view of the economy under Trump's presidency compared to Biden's. This could impact Trump's political standing and any future presidential ambitions.