Is Trump Getting Erratic With Age? As 6 In 10 Americans Say Yes, A Look At The Sliding Approval Ratings

Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 11:54 IST

Historically, midterms have been tough for the party in power. Looking at the current approval ratings, Republicans may face challenges in competitive districts

On Tuesday night, as Donald Trump took the podium for his State of the Union address, he was a picture of confidence and defiance. However, beyond the chamber, a contrasting story is unfolding in public opinion surveys: a growing share of Americans say they believe the US President has become “erratic" with age. To add to Trump’s woes, his approval ratings have slipped to some of their weakest levels of his second term, revealing cracks in his strategy as discontent grows on issues such as economy, ICE raids and the Epstein files.

What Surveys Say

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that roughly six in 10 Americans believe Trump has grown more erratic as he has aged. The findings cut across partisan lines to varying degrees, though concern is highest among independents and Democrats.

According to Politico, while Trump retains strong loyalty within his core Republican base, swing voters—which make up a key bloc in the run-up to the midterms—may not take too kindly to broader perceptions of instability.

For voters, the concern about temperament isn’t entirely new. As per Politico, age has increasingly become a lens through which voters evaluate national leaders. Trump, who is now well into his late 70s, faces scrutiny not only over policy but also tone, rhetoric and public conduct.

How Low Are The Approval Ratings?

According to a survey by The Washington Post, ABC News and Ipsos, Trump’s approval rating is hovering around 40 per cent, with disapproval near or above 55-60 per cent. Forbes, explaining the results of a survey by CNN/SSRS, says the President’s approval has dipped compared to both earlier this term and similar points in his first presidency. An AP News poll, meanwhile, found widespread dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy and foreign policy, even as immigration remains a relative strength.

A January survey from Pew Research Center echoed the sentiment. It cited a loss of confidence in Trump’s leadership and a decrease in the number of Americans who claim to support his policies. Although the numbers are not precise, the trend is the same in all polls: the approval rating has eased, especially among independents and in the suburbs.

Why The Slump?

Economic Anxiety: Though unemployment rates are low, the inflation fatigue and tariffs/trade tensions remain some of the factors that continue to influence voter frustration. According to polling quoted in the AP News, many Americans are still not sure that economic conditions are improving.

Polarising Rhetoric: Trump’s combative style may be a hit in his traditional base, but it could alienate moderates. An article in the Politico suggests that while Republican voters remain largely aligned with him, independents are more divided over his tone and decision-making approach.

Foreign Policy: Voters seem to be divided on the aggressive foreign policy approach taken by Trump, ranging from Iran brinkmanship to imposing tariffs on a wide range of countries.

Voter Fatigue: According to Vox, which interviewed Trump supporters, voter fatigue could be a factor in the current political scenario, with never-ending political drama, including lawsuits and party infighting.

Epstein Spectre: Although there is no new legal discovery that directly connects Trump to criminal activity, the political discourse about Epstein’s previous connections to influential individuals, including the US President in the 1990s, has a tendency to resurface in the political discourse whenever documents, court cases, or investigative journalism become prominent. According to experts, even a tangential link to a scandal can weaken support from independents, especially those in suburban areas who value character and stability.

ICE & Immigration Enforcement: Immigration is one of Trump’s most popular topics with his Republican constituency. Nevertheless, tough enforcement methods associated with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may yield mixed results. Recent polling reported by news organizations such as the Associated Press indicates that Republican supporters are generally supportive of tough immigration enforcement, Independents are more ambivalent, and Democrats are strongly opposed to expanded deportation policies. Raids, deportation photographs, or other high-profile incidents involving migrants can further polarize the political landscape.

What Does It Mean For Midterms?

Historically, midterms have been tough for the party in power. Looking at the current approval ratings, Republicans may face challenges in competitive districts.

Trump’s base support makes it tough to predict what will happen. He has a strong hold on the Republican base, which may help him turn out voters even if his approval ratings are in the negative.

News explainers Is Trump Getting Erratic With Age? As 6 In 10 Americans Say Yes, A Look At The Sliding Approval Ratings

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