A new Fox News national poll finds President Trump’s job approval rating at 44% as the country begins 2026, demonstrating continued solid support within the Republican base but persistent voter concerns about the economy and national direction. The survey shows 54% of Americans believe the nation is worse off now than a year ago and only about one-quarter say they are financially better off compared with a year ago, underscoring economic dissatisfaction among many voters.
President Trump’s 44% approval matches his December numbers and mirrors historical figures seen in past presidencies, though disapproval remains strong among independents and moderates. Republicans overwhelmingly approve of his performance, particularly among MAGA identifiers, but broader segments of the electorate are less positive, reflecting a divided national mood.
Voters rated the economy poorly, with only three in ten giving it positive marks and seven in ten calling it in bad shape. A significant share of Americans report feeling personally hurt by the administration’s economic policies — about twice as many as those who say they have benefited — illustrating why economic sentiment weighs heavily on overall approval.
The poll also finds more voters expect economic conditions to worsen in the year ahead than improve, shifting from optimism seen in prior years, and contributing to ongoing challenges for the Republican agenda heading into the 2026 midterms.
Trump’s approval remains stronger among Republicans than among the general electorate, and his job approval rate on border security and other issues varies widely across demographic groups. The data highlight a central political battleground for GOP messaging: addressing economic concerns while maintaining core support.
