WASHINGTON — A significant majority of Americans believe President Donald Trump is becoming increasingly erratic as he ages, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday. The findings come as the 79-year-old president prepares for a high-stakes State of the Union address following a month marked by aggressive rhetoric toward federal judges and lawmakers.
The survey, conducted online between Feb. 18 and 23 among 4,638 adults, reveals a deepening public concern regarding the president’s mental acuity. While the sentiment is most pronounced among the opposition, the data shows that the narrative of age-related instability is beginning to permeate his own party.
Key Polling Data: “Erratic With Age”
| Demographic | Believe Trump is “Erratic With Age” |
|---|---|
| All Americans | 61% |
| Democrats | 89% |
| Independents | 64% |
| Republicans | 30% |
Eroding Confidence in Mental Sharpness
The poll highlights a sharp decline in how the electorate perceives Trump’s cognitive abilities compared to previous years. Only 45% of respondents now describe the president as “mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges,” a significant drop from the 54% who held that view in September 2023.
While 81% of Republicans maintain that the president remains sharp, the drop among Independents has been stark—falling from 53% in 2023 to just 36% today. This shift suggests that the “age issue,” once a primary weapon used by Trump against his predecessor Joe Biden, is now being turned against him as he nears his 80th birthday in June.
Approval Ratings Stagnate Amid Economic Concerns
Despite the concerns over his demeanor, Trump’s overall job approval rating remains relatively stable, ticking up two points to 40%. However, his “net approval”—the difference between those who approve and disapprove—sits at a precarious -18%.
The president is facing specific headwinds with key demographic groups:
Hispanic Voters: Approval among Hispanic voters has fluctuated significantly, with various polls showing approval ratings ranging from the high 20s to mid-30s percent throughout 2025-2026. Multiple polls have documented declining support among Latino voters who initially supported the president.
Economic Performance: His economic approval rating has faced challenges, with polling showing concerns about affordability being a primary issue for voters.
Tariffs: Recent events involving the Supreme Court striking down many of his tariffs as illegal have created controversy, with the president expressing that he was “absolutely ashamed” of the conservative-leaning Court’s decision.
A Broader Trend of “Gerontocracy” Anxiety
The concerns are not limited to the Oval Office. A staggering 79% of Americans agreed that elected officials in Washington are “too old to represent most Americans.”
With the average age in the U.S. Senate sitting at 64 and the House at 58, the public appears weary of a leadership class they view as out of touch. Even high-ranking Democrats aren’t immune; 58% of Democrats stated that Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, 75, is too old to continue serving.
Looking Ahead
The White House has responded to similar polling with spokesman Davis Ingle calling such results “fake and desperate narratives” and emphasizing “Trump’s sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility.”
The president returned to office in January 2025 at age 78, becoming the oldest president on inauguration day in history. Since then, he has unveiled new policies and proposals at a dizzying pace, ordering sweeping tariffs on imports from dozens of countries and deploying masked federal agents across the country to crack down on unauthorized immigration.
All eyes now turn to Tuesday night’s State of the Union address. For many voters, the speech will serve as more than a policy roadmap—it will be a live-broadcast test of the president’s stamina and cognitive focus as he enters the second year of his term.
