Trump Ratings Released Ahead Of State Of Union Speech

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President Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, offering an update on the state of the nation and outlining his priorities for the year ahead. The speech comes as he marks the first year of his second term — a period defined by major policy action, but also shifting public opinion.

While the president entered office in 2025 with approval ratings hovering near 50 percent, recent national polling averages show that support has declined. Surveys now place his overall approval closer to the low 40s, reflecting a noticeable drop since voters returned him to the White House.

Recent polling from multiple national outlets paints a similar picture. One survey found his approval rating falling by double digits compared to early last year. Others show support settling around 39 percent — down several points from the weeks following his inauguration. At the same time, a growing share of respondents say the president is not focusing on the country’s most pressing concerns, and more Americans believe he may be stretching presidential authority.

Historically, approval ratings often soften after the first year of a presidency. Former President Joe Biden, for example, experienced a comparable decline during his first year in office. Still, the scale and speed of Trump’s drop have drawn attention heading into this high-profile address.

Age divides are especially notable. Polling indicates that voters between 18 and 34 years old show the sharpest decline in support, with approval ratings among younger adults dropping significantly over the past year. Among Americans aged 35 to 49, support has also slipped. Voters aged 50 to 64 appear more stable in their views, showing little statistical change. Among seniors 65 and older, approval has declined as well, though less dramatically than among younger demographics.

Party affiliation tells another story. Support among Republicans remains strong overall, though it has edged down slightly in some surveys. Democratic support remains very low, as expected in a polarized political climate. Independents, however, have shown the most movement. In some polls, approval among independent voters has fallen sharply compared to early 2025 — a shift that could carry weight in future elections.

Race and education gaps remain consistent with broader political trends. Approval has declined among both white voters and voters of color. College-educated Americans show a larger drop in support compared to last year, while those without a college degree have also cooled, though slightly less.

On key issues, opinions are mixed:

  • Immigration: Approval of Trump’s handling of immigration has declined in several surveys. A growing number of Americans say the administration may be going “too far” on deportation policies. However, border security remains one of the president’s relatively stronger issue areas in some polls.
  • The economy: Ratings on economic performance have dipped modestly. Approval on inflation remains low, reflecting ongoing concerns about rising costs. Support for his tariff policies appears steady but limited.
  • Foreign policy: Surveys show slight declines in approval of the president’s handling of international relations compared to last year.

As Trump prepares to speak before Congress, the numbers suggest a country still deeply divided. For many Americans — particularly older voters watching closely — the upcoming address may offer clarity on how the president plans to regain momentum and address concerns about inflation, immigration, and America’s standing abroad.

With approval ratings shifting and key constituencies recalibrating their views, Tuesday night’s speech could play an important role in shaping the political landscape moving forward.