Most Americans Say Trump Becoming More Erratic: Poll

Survey finds 61% of respondents believe the former president has become erratic with age.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that a majority of Americans, including 89% of Democrats, 64% of independents, and 30% of Republicans, believe former President Donald Trump has become more erratic as he has aged. The survey also found that 49% of respondents disagree that Trump is mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges, compared to 45% who agree.

Why it matters

The poll results highlight growing concerns about Trump's mental acuity and fitness for office as he prepares to potentially run for president again in 2024 at the age of 78. The findings come amid reports of Trump displaying signs of cognitive decline, such as falling asleep during meetings and giving rambling, incoherent remarks.

The details

The Reuters/Ipsos survey, conducted February 18-23, found that 61% of respondents described Trump as having "become erratic with age," while 32% disagreed. The poll also asked voters if they believe Trump "is mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges," with 49% disagreeing and 45% agreeing. The results were split largely along partisan lines, with 81% of Republicans saying they see Trump as mentally sharp compared to just 19% of Democrats and 36% of independents.

  • The Reuters/Ipsos survey was conducted from February 18-23, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is being described as becoming more erratic with age in the poll.

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What they’re saying

“It was the worst f—ing thing I ever did, and I blame them. They wanted me to take it. And because I took it, people want to say, 'Oh, there must be something wrong.'”

— Donald Trump (New York Magazine)

“Trump is 'too healthy' and 'too active.'”

— Marco Rubio, Secretary of State (New York Magazine)

What’s next

The poll results are likely to fuel further speculation and scrutiny around Trump's mental fitness as he considers another presidential run in 2024.

The takeaway

The survey findings underscore the growing concerns among Americans about Trump's cognitive abilities and overall mental sharpness as he grows older, raising questions about his suitability for the presidency should he decide to run again in the future.