Public confidence in the U.S. Congress continues to wane, with approval ratings consistently hovering below 20% for the third month straight.
When President Joe Biden first assumed office in January 2021, the legislative body enjoyed one of its highest approval ratings in over a decade.
However, current sentiments starkly contrast those early days.
Data from the latest Gallup Poll Social Series, cited by Statista, conducted between Sept 1–23, reveals that a mere “17 percent of respondents thought Congress was doing a good job.”
This figure is alarmingly close to the previous lows witnessed in this presidential tenure: “16 percent in June 2022 and April 2023.”
Though the survey does not attribute specific causes for the plunge in approval ratings, recent events could potentially be impacting the public’s perception of Congress.
March 2023 was marked by catastrophic tornado outbreaks and the unsettling fall of notable financial institutions like Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, the Statista report notes.
Furthermore, the country was rocked in May 2022 by one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history in Uvalde, Texas, coupled with the momentous legal decisions overturning Roe vs. Wade as well as Planned Parenthood vs. Casey.
Historical analysis of Gallup’s approval data since 1974 presents a distinct era when the nation showcased unprecedented trust in their congressional representatives.
Following the harrowing 9/11 attacks, approval scores soared to “84 and 73 percent” in October and November 2001, respectively.
Outside of this poignant juncture in U.S. history, it’s been an infrequent occurrence for Congress to be endorsed by “more than 40 percent of respondents.”
