President Donald Trump’s job approval has ticked up slightly, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The survey found that 41 percent of respondents approve of the president’s performance, up three points from November, when his approval stood at 38 percent.
Why the Numbers Matter
Trump’s standing with voters will be closely watched as the country moves toward the November 2026 midterm elections. Even though his name will not be on the ballot, midterms are often treated as a verdict on the sitting administration. If he remains unpopular, it could drag down his party’s chances.
That risk is especially significant for Republicans given their narrow control of Congress: a 219–214 edge in the House of Representatives and a 53–47 majority in the Senate. A small shift in seats could limit the GOP’s ability to advance its priorities over the remainder of Trump’s term.
Key Details From the Polls
The Reuters/Ipsos survey of 4,434 U.S. adults reported that 41 percent approve of Trump’s performance, up from 38 percent in November, when his rating fell to its lowest point since he returned to the White House in January. Even so, his current standing is still below where it was at the start of this administration, when his approval was 47 percent.
The latest poll was conducted between December 3 and December 8 and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
The shift comes as Trump prepares to travel to Pennsylvania to deliver a speech focused on the economy and his efforts to curb inflation. On Monday, he unveiled a $12 billion farm aid package designed to assist producers facing higher costs and weaker export markets after his decision to raise tariffs on China.
William Hall, an adjunct professor of political science and business at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, told Newsweek that the uptick appears tied to Trump’s “decision to focus more directly on targeting cost-of-living issues” such as subsidies for farmers.
At the same time, other polling has painted a less favorable picture. A recent survey by The Economist/YouGov showed Trump’s approval at its lowest level since his return to office in January, with 39 percent approving of his performance and 58 percent disapproving—a net rating of -19 points.
Meanwhile, I&I/TIPP polling recently measured Trump’s net approval at -3 points, with 44 percent approving and 47 percent disapproving.
Hall added: “It still remains far too early to tell whether or not his most recent focus targeted toward cost-of-living issues will either be effective or will be short-lived, given his consistent proclivity to change policies on a whim. The results of his decisions on this and several other important issues will, in my view, ultimately, go a long way in both influencing and determining the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections.”
How Trump Is Responding
Earlier this month, Trump addressed unfavorable polling on Truth Social, writing: “So many Fake Polls are being shown by the Radical Left Media, all slanted heavily toward Democrats and Far Left Wingers…Fake News will never change, they are evil and corrupt, but, as I look around my beautiful surroundings, I say to myself, ‘Oh, look, I’m sitting in the Oval Office!’”
What’s Next
As Trump’s presidency continues, his approval numbers are likely to move up and down in response to events, policy decisions and economic trends. Voters will have their next major opportunity to weigh in on his leadership during the midterm elections in November 2026.
