Biden Approval Rating Lower Than Predecessor: New Poll

Trump’s Approval Ratings Plummet, Falling Below Biden’s in Key Polls

February 17, 2026 – Former President Donald Trump is facing a concerning dip in approval ratings, hitting a new low point as he enters the 2026 campaign season, according to recent data. His current standing is not only weak overall but also appears to be losing ground even among his core supporters, raising questions about the strength of his political brand.

CNN data analyst Harry Enten warned on Monday that Trump’s approval ratings may not have a “floor,” suggesting a potentially deeper level of dissatisfaction among voters. This assessment comes as the White House observed President’s Day with the lowest approval ratings of Trump’s second term in four separate polls – Quinnipiac University, NBC News, Yahoo/YouGov, and AP-NORC.

“You know, Kate, there’s this question that folks keep asking, ‘Where is the floor for Donald Trump?’ And I’m not sure there is a floor, because if there is one, Donald Trump, at least in term number two, has just fallen through it to another low level!” Enten told CNN’s Kate Bolduan, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The data reveals Trump is nearly 20 points underwater in the Quinnipiac University tracking poll, and faces similarly unfavorable numbers in the other three surveys. Notably, former President Joe Biden’s average approval rating at a comparable point in his presidency was four points higher than Trump’s current numbers, according to Enten’s analysis.

This decline in approval comes at a critical juncture for Republicans, who are relying on Trump’s brand to protect their majorities in the House and Senate. The situation echoes, to some extent, the 2022 midterm elections, when Democrats narrowly avoided a predicted “red wave” and maintained control of the Senate.

While specific approval percentages were not detailed beyond the “nearly 20 points underwater” figure for Quinnipiac, the overall trend paints a picture of increasing voter dissatisfaction. RealClearPolling data, updated as of January 20, 2025, shows Biden’s approval rating at 39.0% with a disapproval rating of 57.1%, representing a spread of -18.1. Historical data from RealClearPolling indicates a consistent negative spread for Biden throughout his term, with the spread worsening over time.

Gallup data, as of January 17, 2025, shows Biden’s final job approval rating as president at 40%, and his average approval rating for his term at 42.2%, the second lowest in Gallup records. This context underscores the challenging political landscape facing both current and former presidents.

The implications of these numbers are significant. A weak approval rating can hinder a president’s ability to advance their agenda, and can make it more difficult to win elections. For Trump, the declining numbers raise questions about his viability as a candidate in 2026 and the potential for a competitive race.

The current political climate, coupled with these unfavorable poll numbers, suggests a potentially turbulent election cycle ahead. The ability of both parties to mobilize their base and appeal to undecided voters will be crucial in determining the outcome.