In a significant shift in its research focus, Gallup, a prominent public opinion polling agency, has announced that it will cease tracking presidential approval ratings after 88 years. This decision comes at a time when Donald Trump is actively monitoring public sentiment and vocally criticising media outlets that report unfavourable figures. Gallup maintains that the change is aligned with its evolving research goals rather than any external pressures.
A Shift in Research Focus
On Wednesday, Gallup confirmed that it would stop measuring the favourability of individual political figures, stating that this move reflects a broader evolution in its public research initiatives. A spokesperson for the agency clarified that the focus would now shift towards more comprehensive, methodologically sound research on issues that affect people’s lives. This includes ongoing programmes like the Gallup Poll Social Series, the Gallup Quarterly Business Review, and the World Poll.
The decision marks the end of an era for the Gallup Presidential Approval Rating, a key barometer of public opinion regarding the performance of U.S. presidents dating back to the administration of Harry Truman. Historically, this polling has provided valuable insights into American sentiment, such as the unprecedented 90% approval rating for George W. Bush in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
Trump’s Response to Polling Trends
As Gallup steps back from tracking approval ratings, Trump has been increasingly critical of polling organisations, especially those that reflect poorly on his administration. The former president’s approval rating fell to a low of 36% in December, a stark contrast to the 47% he recorded at the beginning of his second term. His discontent with unfavourable polling has prompted him to pursue legal action against organisations like The New York Times. In January, he expressed his intention to expand a defamation lawsuit following a poll that showed his approval rating dropping by three percentage points since September 2025.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “The Times Siena Poll, which is always tremendously negative to me, especially just before the Election of 2024, where I won in a Landslide, will be added to my lawsuit against The Failing New York Times.” This highlights his ongoing battle against narratives he deems damaging, further complicating the landscape of political discourse in the run-up to the next presidential election.
The Role of Media in Polling
The New York Times has defended its polling methodology, asserting that its rigorous standards remain consistent regardless of the political climate. Spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander remarked on social media platform X, “President Trump likes polls that appear favourable to him and dislikes polls that do not. But whether a poll is good or bad for the president has no bearing on our methodology.” This statement underscores the tension between political figures and the media’s role in shaping public perception through polling data.
Why it Matters
The discontinuation of Gallup’s presidential approval tracking may signal a broader trend in public opinion research, reflecting the complexities of capturing accurate sentiment in a politically charged environment. As Trump continues to challenge unfavourable polling results, the implications for media credibility and public trust in opinion surveys could be profound. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, both the methodologies employed by polling organisations and the responses of political figures will likely play a critical role in shaping the narrative and influencing voter behaviour.
