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NewsFox News PoliticsMay 4, 2026United States

How President Trump's Current Approval Ratings Compare to Past Presidents Ahead of Midterms

This article analyzes President Trump's current approval ratings six months before the 2026 midterm elections, noting that his numbers are currently in negative territory. It compares these figures to the polling trends of former Presidents Biden, Obama, and Bush during their respective midterm cycles to provide historical context on how presidential popularity impacts party performance.

electionspollingpresidential_approvalmidtermsforeign_policyeconomy
Read the full story at Fox News Politics

Why It Matters

Presidential approval ratings serve as a key indicator for potential outcomes in the upcoming 2026 , which will determine control of the U.S. House and Senate.

Key Facts

  • President Trump's current approval rating is 42% with a 51% disapproval rating, according to a Fox News poll conducted April 17-20.
  • Some recent surveys show President Trump's disapproval rating reaching or exceeding 60%.
  • A RealClearPolitics average of national polls shows President Trump with approximately 40% approval and 56% disapproval.
  • The article cites a two-month war with Iran and rising gas prices as factors contributing to the president's current polling numbers.
  • In early May 2022, then-President Joe Biden had a 45% approval and 53% disapproval rating.
  • In early May 2014, then-President Barack Obama had a 43% approval and 52% disapproval rating.
  • In early May 2006, then-President George W. Bush had a 35% approval and 59% disapproval rating.
  • The 2026 midterm elections are scheduled to take place in six months.
  • The Supreme Court's conservative majority previously issued an opinion that overturned Roe v. Wade, which the article notes influenced the 2022 midterm results.

Who's Mentioned

organizationFox News“Media outlet conducting polls”personDanielle Alvarez“RNC senior advisor”personJoe Biden“Former President of the United States”personChris Anderson“Democrat pollster”personDaron Shaw“Republican pollster”personGeorge W. Bush“Former President of the United States”organizationRealClearPolitics“Polling compilation service”personAbdul El-Sayed“Progressive candidate”personDonald Trump“Current President of the United States”organizationSupreme Court“Judicial body that issued the ruling on Roe v. Wade”personBarack Obama“Former President of the United States”